Positive Child Personality Factors in Children with ADHD

Abstract

Objective: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. While previous studies have shown substantial impact of ADHD across multiple domains, relatively little attention has been devoted to studying positive personality factors in individuals with ADHD. To address this, the current study examined strength-based factors in children with ADHD in relation to their social skills. Method: Sixty-four children (aged 8–12 years) with ADHD completed questionnaires related to their social skills and strength-based factors (e.g., optimism, resilience, self-concept, and coping skills). Results: Findings indicated significant differences between different levels of social skills in children with ADHD, with children with higher social skills reporting higher levels of resiliency, greater behavioral competence, and greater prosocial attitudes than those with lower social skills. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of fostering strong social skills in children with ADHD, leading them to perceive themselves as competent and resilient.