Page No,254-264
Lakshmi Priya K Susmita Halder
Delhi Amity University, Kolkata
Background Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), characterized by a
combination of overactive, poorly modulated behaviour with marked inattention and
lack of persistent task involvement. A model on ADHD given by Barkley suggested that
children with ADHD when faced with situations that are emotionally charged tend to show
emotional dysregulation and greater emotional reactivity when compared to children
without ADHD. A possible link between the symptoms and impaired executive function in
individuals with ADHD and several socioemotional behaviours, including dysregulation,
when investigated in earlier studies, shows that symptoms of emotional dysregulation
and impaired Executive Function are related to each other.It has also been shown that
children with ADHD exhibit low frustration tolerance and explosive behaviour. Research
has found that children with ADHD often demonstrate poor emotional self-awareness
and higher levels of externalizing behaviour problems relative to unaffected children.
Aims: The aim of the study was to find the relation between Emotional Awareness,
Social Behaviour and Executive Function in children with ADHD. Settings and Designs:
15 children with ADHD (Inattentive type) were compared with children with ADHD
(Hyperactive type), and a possible link between their symptoms, impaired executive
function and socio-emotional behaviours, including dysregulation was investigated
using neuropsychological tests and emotional awareness and social behaviour scales.
Results: Results indicate that there is significant relation between Executive Functioning
and Emotional, Social Functioning in children with ADHD. Executive Function has been
implicated for long now in the symptoms of ADHD. Conclusion:Current research along
with literature support from earlier research has also found the possible implication of
deficits in Cognitive Flexibility and Planning and Emotional Dysregulation in children
with ADHD.Deficits in the domain of Planning can probably explain the difficulties a
child with ADHD has in engaging in appropriate Social Behaviour.
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