Self-concept differences between the inattentive and hyperactive ADHD child.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess self-concept differences or similarities between children who are diagnosed attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Predominantly Inattentive, ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive or Combined Inattentive and Hyperactive, and children not diagnosed with ADHD. Data were obtained from 48 children ofwhom 16 had been diagnosed with ADHD Predominantly Inattentive, 16 had been diagnosed with ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive or Combined, and 16 did not have a diagnosis of ADHD. Tvvo-thirds of the sample were boys and the remaining girls. All children with ADHD had been assessed for at least a year and were being treated for their ADHD via medication and/or therapy. The age range ofthe sample was 9 to 11 years. After obtaining parental and child consent for participation in this study, each child was given the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale and the Draw-A-Person task. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to assess differences between the three groups on the subtest scores of the Piers-Harris found significance. Significance was found between the three groups on the Perception of School Ability subtest. A Tukey post-hoc procedure revealed that the inattentive group had a significantly lower self-concept than the nonADHD group on this particular measure. An analysis of variance also showed a significant difference existed between the three groups on the overall scores ofthe DAP. A Tukey post-hoc test revealed the difference lies between the inattentive and non-ADHD groups. A multivariate analysis of variance assessed differences between the subtest scores of the DAP and revealed differences existed between the three groups on height of figure. A Tukey post-hoc test indicated the inattentive group members drew their figures smaller than the non-ADHD group. In conclusion, this study indicates children with ADHD (hyperactive or inattentive) who have been treated for at least a year for their ADHD and the children with no ADHD are quite similar in regards to self-concept. The study also shows the inattentive group drew figures significantly smaller than the nonADHD group. Suggestions for future research include a larger sample size per group, standardization of the DAP, and investigating the effects of treatment on the self-concept of the child with ADHD.