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I know it when I quantify it: ecological momentary assessment and recurrence quantification analysis of emotion dysregulation in children with ADHD

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ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders

Abstract

Two studies examined the feasibility, utility, and validity of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) in assessing emotion dysregulation in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In Study 1, 11 parents of children with ADHD ages 8–11 completed EMA-based ratings of their children’s mood three times daily for 28 days (84 ratings total) and questionnaires regarding their children’s emotion dysregulation. RQA was used to quantify the temporal patterning of dysregulation of the children’s mood. In Study 2, five children ages 8–11 completed EMA-based ratings of their mood three times daily for 28 days. Results supported the feasibility and validity of the parent report EMA protocol, with greater intensity, variability, and persistent patterning of variability associated with greater emotion dysregulation. Results did not support the validity of the child report protocol, as children were less likely to complete ratings when emotionally distressed and demonstrated substantial response bias.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, 353 Life Sciences, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA

    Paul J. Rosen

  2. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Jeffery N. Epstein

  3. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Jeffery N. Epstein & Guy Van Orden

Authors
  1. Paul J. Rosen
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  2. Jeffery N. Epstein
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  3. Guy Van Orden
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Correspondence to Paul J. Rosen.

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Guy Van Orden: Deceased.

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Rosen, P.J., Epstein, J.N. & Van Orden, G. I know it when I quantify it: ecological momentary assessment and recurrence quantification analysis of emotion dysregulation in children with ADHD. ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord 5, 283–294 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-013-0101-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-013-0101-2

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