ADHD among boys in childhood: Quality of life and parenting behavior

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that psychological adjustment is impaired in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, psychosocial functioning of significant others is also affected. The present study examined the quality of life (QoL) in two age groups of children with ADHD (8–9 vs. 10–11 years) compared to healthy controls matched by age, verbal intelligence, and education level. Furthermore, the QoL and the parenting behavior of mothers were investigated. In total, N = 58 mothers rated their own QoL and that of their children. In addition, they made judgments about their own parenting behavior. Age effects did not reach statistical significance, but QoL was impaired in children with ADHD when compared to healthy controls. Moreover, the mental and the physical well-being of mothers of a child with ADHD were negatively affected. Finally, a more negative parenting behavior of mothers of a child with ADHD was found compared to parents of a healthy child. These results underline the need for family-oriented interventions in ADHD that take into account the psychosocial adjustment of significant others.