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Peer-Based Intervention for Socioemotional Concerns Among Children with ADHD

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Abstract

This study examined the potential benefits of peer-based dyadic interventions for improving the socioemotional functioning of children with ADHD. Participants included children ages 8–12 diagnosed with ADHD-combined type (n = 34) pooled from a larger randomized study comparing peer-based dyadic interventions. Self-concept and depressive symptoms were evaluated at pre- and post-treatment using single group design. Results showed significantly positive child responses to intervention for self-concept. Further, improvements in self-concept were not moderated by the type of dyadic intervention received or by treatment related changes in externalizing behaviors. The severity of reported depressive symptoms, however, did not significantly change. This suggests therapeutic interaction with peers, as demonstrated in peer-based dyadic intervention models, can improve self-concept in children with ADHD even when socioemotional concerns are not a primary target of treatment and independent of behavioral outcomes achieved. These preliminary findings support promoting prosocial peer behavior as a critical domain for ADHD intervention for children.

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Funding

Completion of this study was supported by a grant from the Texas Children’s Hospital Pediatric Pilot Research Fund, awarded to David F. Curtis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical, Health, and Applied Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, 77058, USA

    Thu Nguyen & Sara R. Elkins

  2. Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Houston College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77004, USA

    David F. Curtis

  3. Department of Clinical, Health, and Applied Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX, 77058, USA

    Thu Nguyen

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  1. Thu Nguyen
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  2. Sara R. Elkins
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Correspondence to Thu Nguyen.

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Nguyen, T., Elkins, S.R. & Curtis, D.F. Peer-Based Intervention for Socioemotional Concerns Among Children with ADHD. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 54, 1386–1395 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-022-01345-4

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