Family Context and ADHD Symptoms in Middle Childhood: an Explanatory Model

• Published in: Journal of child and family studies 2022-03, Vol.31 (3), p.854-865
• Main Authors: Barreto-Zarza, Florencia, Sánchez de Miguel, Manuel, Arranz-Freijo, Enrique B., Acha, Joana, González, Llúcia, Rebagliato, Marisa, Ibarluzea, Jesús
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Attentional processes; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Childhood; Families & family life; Family (Sociological Unit); Intervention; Networks; Original Paper; Parental control; Parental stress; Parents & parenting; Path analysis; Psychology; Rating Scales; Self Efficacy; Social environment; Social Sciences; Social support; Sociology; Support networks; Variables
• ISSN: 1062-1024; 1573-2843
• DOI: 10.1007/s10826-021-02206-9

Recent research suggests that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be influenced by interactions between the individual and their social context. This study examined the predictive value of family context variables and attentional control levels on child ADHD symptoms. A new explanatory model of the relationship amongst these variables was also tested. A sample of 754 families with children aged 7 to 11 was assessed through the Conners Parent Rating Scale, the Haezi-Etxadi Family Assessment Scale, and the Attention Network Test. Path analysis models showed a predictive association between children ADHD symptoms and Social Support Network, Parental Stress, Parental Self-efficacy, Attentional Control and being male. Furthermore, a stronger Social Support Network was associated with greater Parental Self-efficacy, a variable that predicted Parental Stress levels and children ADHD symptoms. In conclusion, a new multi-influence model of variables linked to ADHD symptomatology during mid-childhood is provided, which may be useful to support the design of family interventions. Highlights Qualitatively different measures from prior research on the presence of ADHD in school-aged children were analysed. The path model showed that parents who perceived a stronger social support network showed greater parental self-efficacy. Greater parental self-efficacy was associated with lower parental stress; both factors related to children’s ADHD symptoms. Attentional control and male sex were also directly related to ADHD symptoms in the path SEM model. Results showed that even non-clinical samples might benefit from primary preventive interventions in positive parenting.