Child ADHD Severity, Behavior Problems and Parenting Styles

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) begins in childhood and is characterized by attention deficits, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness which is not appropriate for a person’s age. The effects of ADHD are not limited to the subject alone, but go beyond and can affect their closest social and familiar context, and particularly to parenting practices, especially when children with ADHD present associated behavior problems. In this study we attempted to identify the differences in the relations between, on one hand, parenting styles and Child ADHD severity and, in other hand, parenting styles and comorbid behavior problems. Sixty-eight parents of 6 to 11 year old children (48 boys and 20 girls) accepted to participate. Data showed that both Child ADHD Severity and Child Behavior Problems were associated to inadequate parenting styles, with more strong correlations in the case of criticismrejection. . These findings have practical implications highlighting the importance of parent education programs that help them reduce the negative impact of Child ADHD Severity and Behavior problems in the use of effective discipline and appropriate communication with their children.