Parent and Child-Reported Strengths of Children With ADHD

Abstract

A strength-based approach to childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research highlights children’s positive attributes that can support their areas of difficulty. However, research on perceptions of a child’s positive attributes is understudied. Specifically, there is little research that examines strength-based perceptions of children with ADHD, and only one known article addresses parent perceptions of their children with ADHD. As such, this study analyzed parent and child-reported strengths in children with ADHD. Parent and child-reported strengths were measured using the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale—Second edition, Parent Form and Child Form (BERS-2). Results indicated that parents and children perceived strengths in the interpersonal, intrapersonal, and affective domains to be similar, falling in the Average range. However, children indicated their family involvement and school functioning fell within the Average range, whereas parents rated these domains below average. Positive parental perspectives of their children may promote positive parent-child interactions and serve as an overall protective factor for children with ADHD. Domains which parents and children see as strengths should be utilized to support areas of weakness. Strength-based research for children with ADHD and positive interventions utilizing strengths may benefit families with ADHD, as well as classroom teachers and school psychologists.