The Role of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Self-Perceptions of Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

Authors

  • Jessica L. Whitley Lakehead University
  • Nancy Lee Heath McGill University, Faculty of Education
  • Cindy A. Finn Lester B. Pearson School Board

Keywords:

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, self-concept, positive illusory bias

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The present study compared the teacher ratings and self-perceptions of two groups of children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties: a) Those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and b) those with average or below average levels of hyperactivity and attention. Results showed that the ADHD group was rated more poorly by teachers in academic, social, and behavioural domains. This group also inflated their competency ratings in these domains relative to teacher report more than the comparison group. L’influence du trouble du déficit d’attention avec hyperactivité dans les perceptions de soi chez les enfants ayant des difficultés affectives et comportementales RÉSUMÉ. La présente étude compare les différences entre la manière dont les enseignants perçoivent deux groupes d’enfants ayant des difficultés affectives et (ou) comportementales et celle dont les enfants se perçoivent eux-mêmes : a) Un groupe souffrant du trouble d’hyperactivité avec déficit de l’attention (TDAH) et b) Un groupe ayant des niveaux d’hyperactivité et d’attention moyens ou inférieurs à la moyenne. Les résultats ont mis en évidence que le groupe était moins bien noté par les enseignements dans les domaines scolaire, social et comportemental. En comparaison des enseignants, ce groupe a davantage surestimé ses compétences dans ces domaines que le groupe témoin.

Author Biographies

Jessica L. Whitley, Lakehead University

Jessica Whitley is currently an assistant professor in the faculty of education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her research focuses on factors which impact the socio-emotional and academic outcomes of students with special needs, particularly within inclusive settings.

Nancy Lee Heath, McGill University, Faculty of Education

Nancy Heath is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She is the Director of the Inclusive Education Program, as well as being cross-appointed in the School/Applied Child Psychology program. Her research program explores resilience and adaptive functioning in youth at-risk; and her most recent work has focused on the understanding of self-injury in the schools.

Cindy A. Finn, Lester B. Pearson School Board

Cindy Finn is the Director of Student Services at the Lester B. Pearson School Board in Dorval, Quebec. She received her PhD in School Psychology/Applied Child Psychology from the Faculty of Education at McGill University and worked as a school psychologist prior to moving into administration. Her research interests include interventions for children with social and behavioural challenges and home and school collaboration.

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Published

2008-05-26

How to Cite

Whitley, J. L., Heath, N. L., & Finn, C. A. (2008). The Role of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Self-Perceptions of Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 43(1). Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/1050

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Section

Articles