The positive illusory bias: do inflated self-perceptions in children with ADHD generalize to perceptions of others?
This study examined whether children with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrate positive illusory perceptions of their own competence and others' competence. Participants (67 children with ADHD symptoms; 40 non-ADHD children) completed the Self-Perception Profile for Children and rated actors' competence in videos clips where inconsistent cues of performance had to be integrated in order to determine the actor's competence. Teachers completed the Teacher Rating Scale of Child's Actual Behavior. Children with ADHD symptoms overestimated their own competence relative to teachers' estimates in all domains significantly more than non-ADHD children. There were no significant group differences in perceptions of others' competence. Findings suggest that positive illusions are exclusive to perceptions of self and do not extend to perceptions of others.
Evangelista
Nicole M
NM
Ohio University, Porter Hall 200, Athens, OH 45701, USA. ne298698@ohio.edu
Owens
Julie S
JS
Golden
Catherine M
CM
Pelham
William E
WE
D000124:Achievement; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003463:Cues; D003469:Culture; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007088:Illusions; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010379:Peer Group; D018187:Personal Construct Theory; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D012951:Socialization