Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Heather Jones, PhD
Second Advisor
Rosalie Corona, PhD
Third Advisor
Alena Hampton, PhD
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is childhood's most common neuro- developmental disorder, mainly distinguished by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. Compared to the plethora of research on White children with ADHD, the research on Black children with ADHD is limited. Looking more closely at the functions related to parenting children with ADHD, there is even less information known on the interactions between Black children and their parents compared to White children and their parents. The primary aim of the thesis study was to compare observed parenting and child behaviors between Black mother/child dyads of children with and without ADHD. This study partially replicates Robinson and Eyberg’s (1981) investigation of observed parenting differences between parents of children with and without behavior problems. Participants included 56 Black mothers (Mage=35.62, SD=6.52) and their children (Mage=7.68, SD=1.38), who either had ADHD (n=30) or did not have ADHD (n=26). Dyads participated in two structured interactions that were videotaped, and child and mother behaviors were coded using the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System (DPICS). Linear regressions were used to examine whether child ADHD predicted observed child and parent behaviors. Two moderation models were also analyzed to explore whether child gender or maternal ADHD moderates the relationship between child ADHD and certain child behaviors. Results showed that child ADHD did not significantly predict any parenting behaviors, but it did predict child behaviors. During the child-led play interaction, child ADHD significantly predicted child negative touch; during the clean-up interaction, child ADHD significantly predicted child total compliance. Finally, neither child gender nor maternal ADHD significantly moderated the relationship between child ADHD and child negative touch or total compliance. Findings indicate that Black mothers may have similar approaches in interacting with their children, regardless of the child's ADHD status, possibly due to cultural norms and expectations of child behavior within the Black community. Future research should attempt to replicate these findings with a larger sample and explore cultural factors related to parenting Black children with ADHD (i.e., familial support).
Rights
© Sydney E. Padgett
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-11-2024