Bullying and ostracism in youth with and without ADHD: implications for risk and resilience

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study compared bullying experiences, psychosocial adjustment, and resiliency in youth with and without ADHD.

Method: Participants included 73 youth ages 12–17 with and without ADHD. Participants and their caregivers completed the Bullying and Ostracism Screening Scale, Pediatric Symptom Checklist, and Fitness and Flourish Scale.

Results: There were no significant group differences in youth self-report for rates of bullying experiences or psychosocial adjustment. In contrast, caregivers reported significantly higher levels of victimization experiences (bullying and ostracism) and psychosocial maladjustment for youth with ADHD. Youth who reported increased victimization experiences also reported significantly more internalizing symptoms and lower levels of resilience, irrespective of ADHD diagnosis.

Conclusion. The diagnosis of ADHD did not confer increased risk for bullying or ostracism according to youth self-report. In contrast, caregivers of youth with ADHD reported increased risk for victimization and higher rates of psychosocial maladjustment. Potential reasons for these inter-rater differences are discussed.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest or financial relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

No external funding for this article.