Past Issues
Fathering and Father-child Interactions in
Families of Children with Attention-defi cit/
Hyperactivity Disorder
Li-Ren Chang, M.D.,1,2, Susan Shur-Fen Gau, M.D., Ph.D.2,3
Background: Although many studies have shown inadequate and inappropriate
mother’s parenting style as well as impaired mother-child interactions in children
with attention-defi cit/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 fi nding could be applied to ethnic
Chinese population in Taiwan warrants further investigations.
mother’s parenting style as well as impaired mother-child interactions in children
with attention-defi cit/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 fi nding could be applied to ethnic
Chinese population in Taiwan warrants further investigations.
| Key Word | fathering, father-child relations, parent-child relations, attention-defi cit/ hyperactivity disorder |
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