Predictors of self-esteem in children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 122
Subjects: Self-esteem in children.; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between children with and without ADHD in self-esteem (also known as global self-worth) and domain-specific self-concepts, to explore the role of gender, development, and comorbidity with oppositional symptoms on these differences, and to examine predictors of self-esteem. The sample was comprised of 89 children with ADHD and 54 children without ADHD. All of the children were between 9--14 years of age. Using the Self-Perception Scale for Children (SPPC; Harter, 1985), results confirmed those of previous studies that children with ADHD have lower self-perceptions of global self-worth, scholastic competence, behavioural conduct, and social acceptance than children without ADHD. Children with ADHD who had clinical levels of oppositional symptoms scored lower than children without ADHD on behavioural conduct and global self-worth. Children with ADHD with and without clinical levels of oppositional symptoms did not differ from each other on global self-worth or any of the domain-specific self-concept scales. Young adolescents (age 12--14) reported lower levels of global self-worth, physical appearance, and scholastic competence than children (age 9--11). There were no gender differences, ADHD by gender, or ADHD by age interaction effects.Harter's (1990) model and labelling theory (Link & Phelan, 1999; Scheff, 1966) were the basis for exploration of the structure and predictors of self-esteem or global self-worth in children with and without ADHD, specifically with regard to domain-specific self-concepts, perceived social support, and perceived stigmatization. The pattern of predictors for children without ADHD was consistent with Harter's (1999) model; domain-specific self-concepts, perceived social support, and the interactions between them predicted 64% of the variance in global self-worth. Perceived stigmatization was also a significant predictor. Among children with ADHD, however, domain-specific self-concepts were the sole predictors of global self-worth, accounting for 42% of the variance; perceived social support and perceived stigmatization did not offer any additional predictive power. Theoretical and clinical implications for these findings are discussed.
Notes: Adviser:  Judith Wiener.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 65-05, Section: B, page: 2632.