Exasperating or Exceptional? Parents’ Interpretations of Their Child’s ADHD Behavior

Abstract

Objective: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed childhood disorder associated with parent—child conflict and parental stress. This investigation explored whether parents’ interpretation of symptomatic behavior predicted negative interactions with and perceptions of their child. Method: We recruited parents of 7-12 year old children who were diagnosed with ADHD (n = 41), were diagnosed with ADHD but whose parents construed symptomatic behavior positively (Indigo children; n = 36), and had no diagnosis (n = 26). Parents completed a questionnaire about their experiences with their child. Results: Relative to parents who used only the ADHD label for children’s behavior, parents who also perceived symptomatic behavior as a sign of positive characteristics reported less frequent negative experiences with their child and less intense negative emotions during those experiences. They also viewed their children as more self-efficacious and as more likely to have a positive future. Conclusion: Positive perceptions of child symptomatic behavior appeared to buffer the impact of ADHD symptoms on parents and parent-child relationships.