Self-perception in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The purpose of this study was to compare self-perceptions of children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with those of children not diagnosed with ADHD. Seventy-seven children aged 8-12 years composed the two groups-38 participants with ADHD and 39 control participants without ADHD. The children completed the Self-Perception Profile for Children Questionnaire designed to measure self-perceptions in school-aged children. t Tests compared differences in mean scores between the groups. The ADHD group had a significantly lower overall score and a lower score on the behavioral conduct subscale compared with children without ADHD. Findings suggest a difference in the way school-aged children with ADHD perceive themselves as compared with their peers. The cumulative effect of years of low self-esteem and negative self-perception may have significant life consequences. Attention should be focused on fostering self-esteem and positive self-perception in children with ADHD through support groups and behavioral training.
Barber
Sara
S
Professional Park Pediatric, Florida State University School of Nursing, Tallahassee, USA.
Grubbs
Laurie
L
Cottrell
Barbara
B
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001828:Body Image; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009341:Negativism; D010379:Peer Group; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires