Abstract:
The present study investigated whether the quality of early father-child interactions would predict later behaviours of inattention and hyperactivity, and be associated with social competence in early and middle childhood. The sample consisted of a father-son control group (N = 28) and a father-son ADHD symptom group (N = 23). Data were collected when the boys were aged four and seven years. At Time 1, parent and teacher ratings of child ADHD symptoms and social competence were collected as well as video footage of fatherson interactions during a ten minute puzzle task. This video footage was later coded for fathers’ quality of assistance, supportive presence and intrusiveness, as well as child engagement of the father. Similarly at Time 2, parent and teacher ratings of child ADHD symptoms and social competence were collected as well as father’s perceptions of childfather conflict. Results indicate that fathers’ quality of assistance predicts teacher rated inattention problems in middle school, as well as being associated with teacher rated peer behaviour. Child engagement partly explained significant associations between ADHD symptoms and aggressive behaviour at Time 1. In middle childhood, son-father conflict was significantly associated with ADHD symptoms and positive peer relations and teacher rated prosocial behaviour. Overall, the results provide new information about fathers and sons with ADHD symptoms, and underscores the importance of investigating father-child and childfather interactions when studying the complex disorder of ADHD. Keywords: fathering, ADHD, social competence, father-child interactions
