Ψυχάγειν Καβάλα Ψυχοθεραπεία

Self-esteem in children with ADHD. Poster presentation at the 27th International School of Psychology Association Colloquium, Athens.

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) constitutes one of the most common developmental disorders in childhood. Previous research demonstrates that children with AD/HD often encounter learning disabilities, difficulties in social functioning and low self esteem (Faraone at al, 1993; Oeztuerk et al, 2000). Within this framework, the aim of the present study was to further investigate the relationship between AD/HD and specific factors of behavioural and academic self-esteem in children. Three hundred and eight children aged 4-8, enrolled in kindergartens and primary schools in Athens and other urban and rural areas in Greece, were recruited. Teachers completed the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Test (ADHD-T; Gilliam, 1995) and the Behavioural and Academic Self-Esteem scale (BASE; Coopersmith & Gilberts, 1982). According to the results, among the children of low-esteem in the “social attention” factor approximately 60% were children with high possibility of AD/HD (p<.001).  Moreover, among the children of low self-esteem 42% were children with high possibility of AD/HD Predominantly Impulsive Type (p<.001) and 67% were children with high possibility of AD/HD Predominantly Inattentive Type (p<.000). The role of teachers in the early identification of the disorder is discussed. Moreover, emphasis is given in their understanding of the various aspects of low self-esteem as a result of the repeated failures children with AD/HD might experience in nursery and primary school settings.