Abstract
Parenting a child with ADHD can challenge parenting resources and coping. Increasingly, researchers are examining the relationship between the behavior of the child with ADHD and family functioning. While studies have shown inceased parenting stress in parents of children with ADHD, these studies have compared children with ADHD to non-disabled children. This study compares reports of parenting stress among mothers of children with ADHD, mothers of children with learning disabilities and mothers of non-referred children. Results showed that parenting stress was highest for mothers of children with ADHD. Increased parenting stress was associated with child characteristics and, in particular, with externalizing behavior problems.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Achenbach, T. M., & Edelbrock, C. (1983).Manual for the child behavior checklist and revised child behavior profile. Burlington, VT: Thomas Achenbach.
Abidin, R. R. (1986).Parenting stress index. Charlottesville, VA: Pediatric Psychology Press.
American Psychiatric Association (1987).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (3rd Ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Anastopaulas, A. D., Guevremont, D. C., Shelton, T. L., & DuPaul, G. J. (1992). Parenting stress among families of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 20, 503–520.
Baker, D. B. (in press).Parent training for ADHD. Monographs of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association.
Breen, M. J., & Barkley, R. A. (1988). Child psychopathology and parenting stress in girls and boys having attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity.Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 13, 265–280.
Buhrmester, D., Camparo, L., Christensen, A., Gonzales, L. S., & Hinshaw, S. P. (1992). Mothers and fathers interacting in dyads and triads with normal and hyperactive sons.Developmental Psychology, 28, 500–509.
Cunningham, C. E., Bennes, B. B., & Seigel,L. S. (1988). Family functioning, time allocation, and parental depression in the families of normal and ADHD children.Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 17, 169–177.
Fischer, M. (1990). Parenting Stress and the ADHD child.Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 19, 337–346.
Fletcher, J. M. (1992). The validity of distinguishing children with language and learning disabilities according to discrepancies with IQ: Introduction to the special series.Journal of Learning Disabilities, 25, 546–548.
Goyette, C. H., Conners, C. K., & Ulrich, R. F. (1978). Normative data on the Revised Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scales.Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 6, 221–236.
Hollingshead, A. B. (1975).Four factor index of social status. New haven, CT: Yale University
Keppel, G. (1982).Design and analysis. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Mash, E. J., & Johnston, C. (1983). Parental perceptions of child behavior problems, parenting self-esteem, and mothers' reported stress in younger and older hyperactive and normal children.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51, 86–99.
Mash, E. J., & Johnston, C. (1990). Determinants of parenting stress: Illustrations from families of hyperactive children and families of physically abused children.Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 19, 313–328.
Semel, E. M., Wiig, E. H., & Secord, W. (1987).Clinical evaluation of language fundamentals revised: Examiner's manual, San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.
Wechsler, D. (1974):Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.
Woodcock, R. W. (1988).Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests-Revised: Manual. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Baker, D.B., McCal, K. Parenting stress in parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and parents of children with learning disabilities. J Child Fam Stud 4, 57–68 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02233954
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02233954