Children's attitudes and behavioural intentions towards a peer with symptoms of ADHD: does the addition of a diagnostic label make a difference?

Abstract

This article explores the impact of diagnostic/psychiatric labelling on the attitudes and behavioural intentions of school-aged children towards a hypothetical peer presented with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A sample of 120 children aged 11-12 years read one of three vignettes describing the behaviour of a gender-neutral, same-age peer presenting with symptoms of ADHD. The participants completed self-report measures of attitudes and behavioural intentions after reading the respective vignettes. The majority of participants perceived the vignette character as being male and the attitude held towards him was predominately negative. Significant positive relationships were found between attitudes and children's willingness to engage in social, academic and physical activities. Diagnostic/psychiatric labelling had no additional influence upon attitudes or behavioural intentions. Children's negative attitude towards peers with symptoms of ADHD, given its association with friendship choice, is an important target for change in reducing stigma.