Title

Self-Regulation of Emotion, Functional Impairment, and Comorbidity Among Children With AD/HD

Author Info

Arthur D. Anastopoulos, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Taylor Smith, University of North Carolina at GreensboroFollow
Melanie E. Garrett, Duke University
Erin Morrissey-Kane, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Nicole K. Schatz, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Jennifer L. Sommer, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Scott H. Kollins, Duke University
Allison Ashley-Koch, Duke University

Recommended Citation

Postprint version. Published in Journal of Attention Disorders, Volume 15, Issue 7, October 1, 2011, pages 583-592.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Taylor Smith was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054710370567.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the role of self-regulation of emotion in relation to functional impairment and comorbidity among children with and without AD/HD. Method: A total of 358 probands and their siblings participated in the study, with 74% of the sample participants affected by AD/HD. Parent-rated levels of emotional lability served as a marker for self-regulation of emotion. Results: Nearly half of the children affected by AD/HD displayed significantly elevated levels of emotional lability versus 15% of those without this disorder. Children with AD/HD also displayed significantly higher rates of functional impairment, comorbidity, and treatment service utilization. Emotional lability partially mediated the association between AD/HD status and these outcomes. Conclusion: Findings lent support to the notion that deficits in the self-regulation of emotion are evident in a substantial number of children with AD/HD and that these deficits play an important role in determining functional impairment and comorbidity outcomes.

Disciplines

Psychology

Copyright

2010 Sage Publications.