University of Kentucky
The Moderating Effect of Anxiety on the Social Outcomes of Children with Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Institution
University of Kentucky
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Richard Milich; Elizabeth Lorch
Abstract
Anxiety disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have a high level of co-morbidity. This study investigated the moderating effect of anxiety on the social functioning of children with ADHD. Same-sex groups of children ages 8-11 years old were observed by trained lab assistants in order to assess social behavior. They coded for prosocial, contributive, negative, aggressive, on task and off task behaviors because these behaviors have been demonstrated to effect peer standing. They were assessed using a numerical and alphabetical system demonstrated strong inter-rater reliability (>.80) Data thus far has indicated that comorbid anxiety may be a protective factor for children with ADHD in regards to their social functioning.
The Moderating Effect of Anxiety on the Social Outcomes of Children with Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Anxiety disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have a high level of co-morbidity. This study investigated the moderating effect of anxiety on the social functioning of children with ADHD. Same-sex groups of children ages 8-11 years old were observed by trained lab assistants in order to assess social behavior. They coded for prosocial, contributive, negative, aggressive, on task and off task behaviors because these behaviors have been demonstrated to effect peer standing. They were assessed using a numerical and alphabetical system demonstrated strong inter-rater reliability (>.80) Data thus far has indicated that comorbid anxiety may be a protective factor for children with ADHD in regards to their social functioning.