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Differences in self-control between ADHD and typical boys as a function of alternative activities
Abstract
Differences in self-control between a group of typical and a group of boys clinically diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) between 5 to 6 years of age were assessed using a procedure in which subjects could select larger, more delayed reinforcers versus smaller, more immediate reinforcers exchangeable for toys. During two of the six phases of self-control assessments carried out over two days, subjects had access to additionally programmed activities (music and toys). Along with choice data, several collateral measures were collected including different classes of activity (e.g., actometer, out of seat), latency to respond, ratings of enjoyment, verbal and nonverbal time estimations of delay, and contingency descriptions of the self-control task. ADHD subjects chose the delayed, larger reinforcer significantly less frequently over time than did typical subjects, while typical subjects chose increasingly to self-control over phases. The opportunity to engage in the additionally programmed activities did not alter self-control responding and both groups used the music and toys equally often. Latencies did not differ significantly between the two groups, but were significantly different between phases, with longer latency times during Phase B when the additional sources of reinforcement were available. ADHD subjects became more active over time, although this effect was mitigated during the B Phases. The group members did not differ in their ability to estimate the delays, or in their ratings of task enjoyment, and they could describe the contingencies accurately. The results demonstrated that the choice task proved to serve as an objective way to measure self-control differences between ADHD and other children.
Subject Area
Educational psychology|Special education
Recommended Citation
Schweitzer, Julie Beth, "Differences in self-control between ADHD and typical boys as a function of alternative activities" (1990). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9100542.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9100542