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Associations between Maternal Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Parenting

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Abstract

Mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for an ADHD diagnosis themselves, which is likely associated with impairments in parenting. The present study utilized a multi-method assessment of maternal ADHD and parenting to examine the extent to which maternal ADHD symptoms are associated with maladaptive parenting. Participants included 70 6–10 year old children with DSM-IV ADHD and their biological mothers. Results suggested that mothers with higher levels of ADHD symptoms reported lower levels of involvement and positive parenting and higher levels of inconsistent discipline. During observed parent–child interactions, maternal ADHD symptoms were negatively associated with positive parenting, and positively associated with negative parenting and repeated commands before giving the child an opportunity to comply. Given prior research suggesting that maladaptive parenting behaviors are risk factors for the later development of conduct problems among children with ADHD, these findings have important clinical implications for family-based assessment and treatment of ADHD.

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Acknowledgement

The authors wish to acknowledge the comments of Charlotte Johnston on an earlier draft of this manuscript, and the design and analysis input of Benjamin B. Lahey and Joel Nigg, who served as consultants on this grant.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (R03MH070666–1) awarded to Dr. Chronis-Tuscano.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA

    Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, Veronica L. Raggi, Tana L. Clarke, Mary E. Rooney, Yamalis Diaz & Jessica Pian

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  1. Andrea Chronis-Tuscano
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  2. Veronica L. Raggi
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  3. Tana L. Clarke
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Correspondence to Andrea Chronis-Tuscano.

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Chronis-Tuscano, A., Raggi, V.L., Clarke, T.L. et al. Associations between Maternal Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Parenting. J Abnorm Child Psychol 36, 1237–1250 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-008-9246-4

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