Attributions for Hyperactive and Aggressive Child Behaviors

Abstract

Two studies test differences in adult causal attributions for hyperactive and aggressive child behaviors. In Study 1, 66 young adults rated written descriptions of aggressive and hyperactive behaviors displayed by 5- and 11-year old boys. Although the two types of behavior did not differ on ratings of causal locus or stability, aggressive child behaviors were seen as significantly more controllable than hyperactive behaviors and elicited more negative reactions, especially when they occurred in older children. Both types of behavior were rated as significantly more internal in locus and more controllable in older children than in younger children. In Study 2, 120 young adults rated descriptions that combined hyperactive and aggressive child behaviors. Hyperactive behaviors presented in the context of aggressive behaviors were rated as significantly more controllable and negative than hyperactive behaviors occurring in purely hyperactive contexts. In addition, hyperactive contexts reduced ratings of contro...