Abstract

PROBLEM:
There are conflicting research data regarding the relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and low self-esteem.

METHODS:
A person-oriented approach was used to study the relationships between ADHD symptoms and self-esteem in a longitudinal study of twins starting when they were 8 years old. A cluster analysis was performed at age 13 using
five subscales from a self-esteem questionnaire.

FINDINGS:
High scores of ADHD symptoms were linked to profiles characterized by lower scores in the domains “skills and talents” and “psychological well-being”.

CONCLUSION:
Children with high scores of ADHD symptoms often have specific problem profiles of self-esteem.

Search terms:
ADHD, cluster analysis,´person-oriented, self-esteem