Cognitive Development in Low Attentive, Hyperactive, and Aggressive 6- through 11-year-Old Children

Abstract

In a national probability sample of 6- through 11-year-old children, the relationship between the children's cognitive development and three teacher rated attributes, low attentiveness, hyperactivity, and aggressivity, was examined. Family context as defined by parental education and family income per individual under 21 years of age in the household were controlled. Analyses of covariance revealed that the attribute of below average attentiveness was associated with significantly lower performance on tests of intelligence (WISC Vocabulary and Block Design) and on tests of achievement (Reading and Arithmetic subtests of the Wide Range Achievement Test). Hyperactivity alone was not associated with differences in cognitive development, whereas aggressivity in boys but not in girls was associated with lower performance on Block Design.