Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The present study examined the extent to which the Attachment and Relationship Frustration subscales are associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) symptom severity. There is minimal research examining attachment in relation to ADHD symptomology and only a few studies that consider ODD comorbidity in conjunction to ADHD and attachment. The present study builds upon previous research and considers the relationship between parent report of Attachment and Relationship Frustration, as measured by the PRQ, and ADHD as well as ODD symptoms. Archival data from 87 children evaluated for ADHD was used for the study. Data from the assessment battery included the PRQ, a measure of parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index-4-Short Form), two behavior-rating scales (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV, Behavior Assessment System for Children), and a measure of executive functioning (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning). Results revealed a significant association between the parent report on the PRQ Attachment subscale and ADHD symptomology, but not for teacher report. Both parent and teacher report of oppositional behavior were associated with the PRQ Relationship Frustration subscale. Results highlight the differences in traditional attachment constructs as compared to parent report of Attachment as measured in the PRQ. Moreover, results suggest that oppositional behavior causes more impairment and dysfunction within the parent-child relationship as compared to ADHD symptoms. The current research contributes to the understanding of how the parent-child relationship affects the development of externalizing behavioral disorders and has implications for informing potential treatment interventions and modalities.

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