Self-handicapping prior to academic-oriented tasks in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): medication effects and comparisons with controls

Daniel A Waschbusch; Rebecca Craig; William E Pelham Jr; Sara King

doi:10.1007/s10802-006-9085-0

Self-handicapping prior to academic-oriented tasks in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): medication effects and comparisons with controls

J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2007 Apr;35(2):275-86. doi: 10.1007/s10802-006-9085-0. Epub 2006 Dec 30.

Authors

Daniel A Waschbusch¹, Rebecca Craig, William E Pelham Jr, Sara King

Affiliation

¹ Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University at Buffalo-State University of New York, Center for Children and Families, 3435 Main Street, Building 20, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA. dw35@buffalo.edu

PMID: 17195950
DOI: 10.1007/s10802-006-9085-0

Abstract

Examined self-handicapping prior to academic-oriented tasks in children with and without ADHD and examined whether stimulant medication influenced self-handicapping. Participants were 61 children ages 6 to 13, including 22 children with ADHD tested after taking a placebo, 21 children with ADHD tested after taking stimulant medication, and 18 non-ADHD controls. Participants completed three measures of self handicapping and also completed self-evaluations of their performance. Results showed greater self handicapping and more positive self-evaluations in children with ADHD than in controls regardless of medication condition. Findings suggest children with ADHD may use self handicapping to ameliorate the effects of experiencing high rates of academic failure.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Aptitude*
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / drug therapy
Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / psychology
Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
Child
Choice Behavior / drug effects
Comorbidity
Conduct Disorder / diagnosis
Conduct Disorder / drug therapy
Conduct Disorder / psychology
Defense Mechanisms*
Discrimination Learning / drug effects
Female
Humans
Male
Maze Learning / drug effects
Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
Music
Pattern Recognition, Visual / drug effects
Self Concept*

Substances

Central Nervous System Stimulants
Methylphenidate