Predicting the Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Based on Character Traits and Irritability of Mothers according to Gender Roles

This study set out to predict the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children based on character traits and irritability of mothers according to gender roles. The present study had a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population of the study was comprised of all mothers of elementary school students with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Districts 5 and 7 of Tehran in the 2019-2020 school year. The sample was drawn using the purposive sampling method (N= 230). The research instruments included the Temperament & Character Inventory (Cloninger, 1994), Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (1999) and The EAS Temperament Questionnaire (Buss & Plomin, 1984). Descriptive statistics as well as multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Data analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between character traits and irritability of mothers with symptoms of ADHD in children (β= 0.56, P≤0.001). The results also demonstrated that gender in interaction with mothers' character traits and irritability could not predict the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity in children (β= 0.052, P≤0.001). Based on the results, it can be concluded that some of the personality and character traits of mothers underlie the symptoms of ADHD in children. Therefore, paying attention to the personality characteristics of parents can prove helpful in the treatment of children with ADHD symptoms.