Self-regulatory functions in ADHD children.
Item
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Title
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Self-regulatory functions in ADHD children.
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Identifier
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AAI9304730
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identifier
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9304730
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Creator
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Schwartz, Susan Tobi.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Jeffrey M. Halperin
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Date
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1992
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Developmental | Psychology, Experimental | Psychology, General
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Abstract
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The similarity between children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adult patients with frontal lobe lesions has led several investigators to posit that these children have impairments in "executive" or self-regulatory functions. Two experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses that (1) the ADHD symptom dimension of inattention in normal children would be correlated with measures of executive function, and (2) that ADHD children have impairments in executive functioning.;Experiment I evaluated 123 non-referred boys between the ages of seven and twelve years using standard measures of cognitive and academic functioning, as well as laboratory measures of inattention, impulsivity, overactivity and executive functioning. Executive functions were assessed using the Hand Movements subtest of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, subtests from the Neurological Examination for Soft Signs, and a computerized version of Luria's competing motor programs test. Behavior ratings were also obtained from both parents and teachers. The results of Experiment I indicated that objectively-assessed inattention, but not impulsivity or overactivity, was associated with measures of executive functioning. It was concluded that only a subset of ADHD children who manifest impairments attention, would be characterized by deficits in executive functioning.;Experiment II examined the relationship of attention to measures of executive function in a sample of 62 six to twelve year old boys who were referred to an urban child psychiatry outpatient clinic. The patients along with 18 normal controls were administered a similar test battery to that used in Experiment I. The patients were divided into ADHD and non-ADHD children. The ADHD children had significantly more difficulties on the competing motor programs test than either of the other groups. However, this decrement in performance could not be attributed to poor executive functioning. Rather, it appeared that the ADHD group had difficulties in the maintenance of effortful processing. The results are discussed in light of neuropsychological and cognitive models of executive/self-regulatory functioning.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
