Links between within‐person fluctuations in hyperactivity/attention problems and subsequent conduct problems. (28th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arnett, Anne B.; Pennington, Bruce F.; Young, Jami F.; Hankin, Benjamin L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of child psychology and psychiatry and allied disciplines. Volume 57:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 502
• Page End: 509
• Publication Date: 2015-09-28
• Subjects: ADHD -- conduct problems -- disruptive behavior -- within‐person -- longitudinal; Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child psychiatry -- Periodicals; 155.4
• DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12466
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9630

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The onset of hyperactivity/impulsivity and attention problems (HAP) is typically younger than that of conduct problems (CP), and some research supports a directional relation wherein HAP precedes CP. Studies have tested this theory using between‐person and between‐group comparisons, with conflicting results. In contrast, prior research has not examined the effects of within‐person fluctuations in HAP on CP. Method: This study tested the hypothesis that within‐person variation in HAP would positively predict subsequent within‐person variation in CP, in two population samples of youth ( N = 620) who participated in identical methods of assessment over the course of 30 months. Three‐level, hierarchical models were used to test for within‐person, longitudinal associations between HAP and CP, as well as moderating effects of between‐person and between‐family demographics. Results: We found a small but significant association in the expected direction for older youth, but the opposite effect in younger and non‐Caucasian youth. These results were replicated across both samples. Conclusions: The process by which early HAP relates to later CP may vary by age and racial identity.