Work

Links between within‐person fluctuations in hyperactivity/attention problems and subsequent conduct problems

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The onset of hyperactivity/impulsivity and attention problems (HAP) is typically younger than that of conduct problems (CP), and some research supports a directional relation wherein HAP precedes CP. Studies have tested this theory using between-person and between-group comparisons, with conflicting results. In contrast, prior research has not examined the effects of within-person fluctuations in HAP on CP. METHOD: This study tested the hypothesis that within-person variation in HAP would positively predict subsequent within-person variation in CP, in two population samples of youth (N = 620) who participated in identical methods of assessment over the course of 30 months. Three-level, hierarchical models were used to test for within-person, longitudinal associations between HAP and CP, as well as moderating effects of between-person and between-family demographics. RESULTS: We found a small but significant association in the expected direction for older youth, but the opposite effect in younger and non-Caucasian youth. These results were replicated across both samples. CONCLUSIONS: The process by which early HAP relates to later CP may vary by age and racial identity.

Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12466

Authors: Anne B. Arnett, Bruce F. Pennington, Jami F. Young, Benjamin L. Hankin

Institutions: University of Denver, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Language: English

Topic: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health