Peer Victimization in Adolescents with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Frequency and Risk Factors

• Main Author: Timmermanis, Victoria
• Other Authors: Wiener, Judith
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Peer Victimization; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; 0622
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/25677

The present study examined the frequency and risk factors associated with experiencing victimization by peers and bullying others in adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sixty-four males and females (ages 13-18) and their parents and teachers completed standardized questionnaires. Adolescents with ADHD were more likely to report increased levels having experienced victimization by peers and participation in bullying others. Parent reports of victimization by peers and bullying others did not differ between adolescents with and without ADHD. Among adolescents with ADHD, those who had experienced victimization by peers perceived lower levels of social support and had increased levels of parent-reported peer relation difficulties. Bullying others was not associated with perceptions of social support or parent-reported peer relation problems. Individual factors such as internalizing problems and oppositionality were not significantly associated with experiencing victimization by peers or bullying others. Implications for future research and clinical assessment are discussed.