Do kids with ADHD see themselves differently from their peers?  Self-perceptions of children, ages 8-12, with diagnosed ADHD were compared with peers without ADHD in a pediatric medical practice to determine differences between the groups with respect to academic competence, social acceptance, athletic competence, physical appearance, behavioral conduct and general self-worth. 

A convenience sample of participants was recruited from one pediatric office (n=9 with ADHD, 39 without ADHD diagnosis) and one state-funded, non-profit agency for medically underserved (interpreted as low income) children with ADHD (n=29).  The Self-Perception Profile for Children (Harter, 1985) survey was administered in a private interview with the child at each site.  Parents read the instrument prior to consent, and children were invited to ask questions before giving written assent.  The ADHD group had significantly lower mean scores than the control group on one sub-scale, i.e., behavioral conduct.  The sub-scale included items such as if they felt they usually act as they should and if they felt they get in trouble because of their behavior.  While the ADHD group had lower scores than the non-ADHD group on the other sub-scales, the differences were not significant nor were there differences related to race or site.

The authors recognized the limitations of the small sample but advised that primary care practitioners need to consider that children with ADHD may need behavioral interventions to help them feel successful.  School support groups are a promising practice to improve a sense of self-worth.

(Barber S, Grubbs L, and Cottrell B. J Pediat Nurs 2005;20(4):235-245)

Comment:  The merit of this work was how nurse researchers can use a well-validated instrument to discern differences between children with and without diagnosed ADHD. --J.O.