Attachment and parental reflective functioning features in ADHD: enhancing the knowledge on parenting characteristics.

Clarissa Cavallina,Claudia Mazzeschi,Chiara Pazzagli,Veronica Ghiglieri

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01313

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by a chronic, pervasive, and developmentally inappropriate levels of impulsivity and in attention. It is associated with adverse academic and social functions and stress to families. Studies provide evidence that family variables are correlated with this disorder and that parenting styles play an important role in its complexity. However, a thorough investigation of the impact of parental affective and relational aspects on the ADHD child’s areas of functioning is still needed. In designing future research on ADHD, we suggest to investigate parenting characteristics to a greater extent by adopting an attachment perspective with a focus on parental reflective functioning as it pertains to the child’s ADHD clinical condition.

Highlights

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with characteristics of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
With regard to the development of internalizing symptomatology, it has been found that an inconsistent parenting style was associated with a deteriorated ADHD clinical condition characterized by depressive symptoms
These findings suggest that studies on patterns of attachment of parents should be increased to better understand its relation with the ADHD child’s clinical condition

Summary

Introduction

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with characteristics of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. One aspect that has not yet been clearly elucidated is the role of the parent’s attachment characteristics and of parental reflective functioning This characteristic is the parent’s cognitive capacity in relation to attachment (Fonagy et al, 2002). The aim of this perspective is to raise awareness of the importance for investigating the influence of parent’s attachment patterns and of parental reflective functioning. Parental reflective functioning is the parents’ capacity to reflect upon their own and their child’s internal mental experience It is necessary for the development of cognitive abilities in the child and for promoting affect regulation and productive social relationships, which are impaired in ADHD children (Nijmeijer et al, 2008)

ADHD and Parenting Characteristics

Experimental Findings on ADHD in Translational Neuroscience

Conclusion