Fathering and Father-child Interactions in Families of Children with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Background: Although many studies have shown inadequate and inappropriate mother's parenting style as well as impaired mother-child interactions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), little is known about father's parenting style and father-child interactions in ADHD. In this paper, we reviewed the literature on fathering and father-child interactions in children with ADHD. Methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo for relevant studies published in English or Chinese between January 1, 1988 and March, 2009, and 28 articles were included in this review. Results: Most studies have been conducted in Caucasian populations. Fathers of ADHD boys were found to be more demanding and power-assertive, to express less warmth, to have more negative perception about father-child interactions, and are more likely to have comorbid childhood ADHD than fathers of the controls. But father-child interaction was found to be less negative than mother-child interaction. Conclusion: The results of Western studies suggest negative impacts of ADHD on paternal parenting style and father-child interactions. Whether the same finding could be applied to ethnic Chinese population in Taiwan warrants further investigations.