ADHD in Children
Visual Abstract
Trait and Ability Emotional Intelligence in Children With ADHD
ADHD and Emotional Intelligence in Children
Emma A Climie , Donald H Saklofske , Sarah M Mastoras , Vicki L Schwean
Summarized by:
April 23, 2023
study source
J Atten Disord
April 2017
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What they studied
Researchers wanted to see whether children with ADHD have differences in emotional intelligence.
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What they found
They found that there were no noticeable differences in overall emotional intelligence scores between those with ADHD and those without ADHD. However, there were certain areas where those with ADHD did better and others where they did worse.
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What this means
These results suggest that those with ADHD handle emotional intelligence differently but are no less emotionally intelligent than other children.
Trait and Ability Emotional Intelligence in Children With ADHD
Objectives
This study wanted to understand emotional intelligence in children with ADHD.
Emotional intelligence refers to our ability to manage ourselves and our relationships with other people. ADHD has been associated with differences in many areas of the mind. This study wanted to see whether children with ADHD also had differences in their emotional intelligence.
Study Quote
The purpose of this study was to examine trait and ability emotional intelligence (EI) in children with ADHD.
Methods
The study recruited 41 children with ADHD and had them complete emotional intelligence tests.
Study Quote
Forty-one children with ADHD (9-11 years) completed two measures of EI-the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version-short form (EQi:YV-Brief) and the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, Youth Research Version (MSCEIT-YRV).
Results
The results did not show evidence of overall differences in emotional intelligence between those with ADHD and children in general.
They were, however, differences in those with ADHD within the different subdomains of emotional intelligence. For example, children with ADHD were better at managing their emotions but worse at understanding emotions.
Those with ADHD often struggle with interpersonal skills and leaving positive impressions.
Study Quote
Children with ADHD did not differ on total EI scores from the normative data on either the ability or trait EI measures. However, they scored above the group norms on the MSCEIT-YRV subscale of Managing Emotions and lower on Understanding Emotions. On the EQi:YV-Brief, children with ADHD...
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Conclusions
Based on the study, researchers concluded that those with ADHD are similar to other children regarding emotional intelligence.
But, there are a few key areas where does ADHD to better on and others where they may struggle.
The authors did note that one of the key struggles for children with ADHD is figuring out what to do in the heat of the moment:
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Indeed, if children with ADHD are asked how they “should” have responded in a given situation, they can often provide the correct or a more appropriate answer. However, in the moment, they are unable to consider the best option and often act impulsively. Given time and opportunity to consider their response in a social situation, children with ADHD are likely better able to recognize the emotions of others and adjust their own feelings and behaviors accordingly.
Studies like these provide useful information for parents and educators of children with ADHD. Of note, each result is only a correlation, and none were particularly strong or perfect correlations. There will be children with ADHD who struggle with emotional intelligence and others who excel at it. Every child is unique, regardless of whether they have ADHD or not.
Study Quote
Children with ADHD are relatively similar to children without ADHD when examining EI scores. However, there is some variability in the EI measures which should be considered when creating intervention programs.