Adolescent characteristics that contribute to family conflict in families with adolescents with ADHD
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Date of Graduation
Summer 5-7-2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Abstract
Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at a heightened risk of parent/adolescent conflict. Families with adolescents with ADHD tend to experience frequent and intense family conflict which can be problematic to family cohesion. Existing treatments targeting family conflict are minimally effective. The current study explored adolescent characteristics hypothesized to predict family conflict in families with adolescents with ADHD. The relationship between parents’ and adolescents’ perceptions of conflict was also investigated. In the current study there was not a relationship between parents’ and adolescents’ perceptions of family conflict indicating disagreement. Adolescents’ age and symptoms of depression predicted family conflict regardless of informant. When parents rated conflict, adolescents’ symptoms of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD), and gender also predicted conflict. Contrary to hypotheses, academic and social impairments did not appear to play a role in the prediction of conflict. Ideas for future research and implications for clinicians are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Christensen, Olivia Adelle, "Adolescent characteristics that contribute to family conflict in families with adolescents with ADHD" (2010). Masters Theses, 2010-2019. 393.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/master201019/393
