Relations Between Family Environment, the Rate of Externalizing Problems and Cognitive Functioning of Primary Students with ADHD

Abstract

This study explored how socioeconomic status and family structure predict aggressive and impulsive behaviors in children with ADHD and whether cognitive functioning moderates these effects. We assessed 190 Polish children with ADHD for cognitive functions and parent-reported behavior and socioeconomic data. In girls, attentional selectivity and phonological loop functioning moderated the effects of financial situation and family structure on behaviors. In boys, single parenthood predicted aggression, moderated by phonological loop functioning. Findings show sex-specific patterns and highlight the complex interplay between cognitive, environmental, and family factors in ADHD-related behaviors, underscoring the need for further targeted research.