A study of self-perception in hyperactive children.

PURPOSE

This research aimed to describe self-perception among hyperactive children in comparison with a general population of children of the same age.

DESIGN

A descriptive study with 116 children (between 6 and 11 years of age) distributed as follows: 57 hyperactive (20 girls and 37 boys) and 59 control group (25 girls and 34 boys). The hyperactive children were being treated at the outpatient clinic of a child psychiatry hospital. The children in the control group were recruited from a Quebec City elementary school.

METHODS

Children in both groups participated in an interview during which they answered the Self-Perception Profile for Children (r = 0.90) consisting of six well-defined subscales.

DATA ANALYSIS

Univariate analyses were used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of both hyperactive and control group children. Groups were compared using t and chi-square tests. Univariate statistics were used to describe the characteristics of self-perception for each group overall and for each of the dimensions. Multivariate analysis was used to compare self-perception in hyperactive and control group children.

RESULTS

All dimensions of self-perception were lower among hyperactive children than among children in the control group, except athletic competence, which was higher. Multivariate analysis indicated that the dimensions of scholastic competence, social acceptance, and behavioral conduct were problem areas for hyperactive children.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Nursing care interventions for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be developed which assist children in increasing self-perception. This is a first step in developing a comprehensive plan of care.