Patterns of inattention in children: Findings from the inattention checklist for teachers

Abstract

This study concerns construction of a checklist for teachers designed to find out types of attention disorders in children. Inattention is not a homogenous phenomenon. Patterns of coexistence of inattention signs and other behavioral symptoms could reflect different psychological mechanisms. In first study teachers described 242 children aged 9 to 10 using Inattention Checklist for Teachers (ICT). In second study teachers described 361 children aged 8 to 10 using modified version of the ICT. Factor analysis conducted in the first study resulted in extraction of five factors (withdrawal of attention, distractibility and tiredness, impulsivity and hyperactivity, high emotional control, low emotional control). In the second study previously extracted factors were validated by cluster analyses and profiles referring to co-occurring behavioral symptoms were developed. Analysis of profiles has shown that attention disorders comprise at least two groups of inattention symptoms (distractibility and tiredness, and withdrawal of attention) that in relation to other factors and learning difficulties constitute different patterns of inattention. It is suggested that these patterns reflect differences between attention disorders caused by cognitive malfunctioning, impaired behavioral or emotional control.