Relationship among Inattention, Hyperactivity-Impulsivity, and Depression in Preteen Children: Links with Child Rearing and Self-Esteem

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship among inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and depression in preteen children, as mediated by parental attitudes toward child-rearing and by children's self-esteem. Questionnaires were completed by the mothers, fathers, and children (5th grade at elementary school) of 210 families. Mothers rated their children's inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Mothers and fathers were asked to answer questions regarding warm parental attitudes toward children and parent-child conflicts. Children completed self-report questionnaires regarding self-esteem and depression. The results indicated that children's inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity negatively correlated with parental warm attitudes and positively correlated with parent-child conflicts. Mothers' warmer attitude was related to children's lower depression, which was mediated by children's higher self-esteem. Fathers' attitude toward child-rearing was not related to children's self-esteem, but children's inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were directly related to children's self-esteem.