Int J Dev Neurosci. 2025 Nov;85(7):e70062. doi: 10.1002/jdn.70062.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: While self-control and child adjustment in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been extensively investigated, their association with parental self-efficacy remains underexplored.
AIM: This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-control and child adjustment in preschool-aged children diagnosed with ADHD and parental self-efficacy, in comparison with a healthy control group.
METHODS: The study included 58 children diagnosed with ADHD and 60 healthy children matched for sociodemographic characteristics. All parents completed the study scales during face-to-face interviews.
RESULTS: Children with ADHD had significantly higher scores on the ADHD-RS-PV and the CAPES-TR: emotional and CAPES-TR: behavioural subscales, while scoring lower on the SCRS and the CAPES-TR: parental self-efficacy scale. Furthermore, children’s self-control skills were found to significantly influence behavioural and emotional problems via parental self-efficacy.
CONCLUSION: Deficits in self-control among children with ADHD may contribute to elevated emotional and behavioural difficulties, which in turn may diminish parental self-efficacy. Supporting the development of self-control skills in children with ADHD may not only alleviate behavioural and emotional challenges but also enhance parents’ confidence in their caregiving roles.
PMID:41168887 | DOI:10.1002/jdn.70062
