ERIC Number: EJ1011151
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Feb
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1087-0547
EISSN: N/A
Exasperating or Exceptional? Parents' Interpretations of Their Child's ADHD Behavior
Lench, Heather C.; Levine, Linda J.; Whalen, Carol K.
Journal of Attention Disorders, v17 n2 p141-151 Feb 2013
Objective: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed childhood disorder associated with parent--child conflict and parental stress. This investigation explored whether parents' interpretation of symptomatic behavior predicted negative interactions with and perceptions of their child. Method: We recruited parents of 7-12 year old children who were diagnosed with ADHD (n = 41), were diagnosed with ADHD but whose parents construed symptomatic behavior positively (Indigo children; n = 36), and had no diagnosis (n = 26). Parents completed a questionnaire about their experiences with their child. Results: Relative to parents who used only the ADHD label for children's behavior, parents who also perceived symptomatic behavior as a sign of positive characteristics reported less frequent negative experiences with their child and less intense negative emotions during those experiences. They also viewed their children as more self-efficacious and as more likely to have a positive future. Conclusion: Positive perceptions of child symptomatic behavior appeared to buffer the impact of ADHD symptoms on parents and parent-child relationships. (Contains 2 tables and 1 note.)
Descriptors: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Child Behavior, Parent Attitudes, Parent Child Relationship, Positive Attitudes, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Psychological Patterns, Self Efficacy, Conflict, Anxiety, Online Surveys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A