This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI fihns the text directly fi'om the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, ^^diile others may be from any type of computer printer.The quality of this reproductioii is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction.In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion.Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one &q)osure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book.Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI NOTE TO USERSThis reproduction is the best copy available Signature was redacted for privacy.Signature was redacted for privacy.Signature was redacted for privacy.Signature was redacted for privacy.iii INTRODUCTIONSocial maladjustment in childhood has been linked to later life dfficuhies such as dropping out of school, criminal behavior, aduh psychopathology (Parker & Asher, 1987;Robins, 1966Robins, , 1979, and suicide (Cairns, Peterson, & Neckerman, 1988). Aggressive maladjustment has also been found to be stable over time (Coie & Dodge, 1983;Olweus, 1979). Social information processing (SIP) models have been useful in studying socially conqjetent and incompetent behaviors that are thought to underlie current and later maladjustment (Crick & Dodge, 1994;Dodge, 1986;Dodge & Price, 1994). Con^aring social information processing patterns of socially adjusted and maladjusted children may lead to a better understanding of particular difBcuhies that contribute to maladjustment, and that may be amenable to intervention (Crick & Dodge, 1994). It was the goal of this study to expand upon current research in the area of SIP patterns by examining four of the SIP stages Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study also examined one overlooked process, the role of emotion, in the SIP model By advancing the understanding of unique SIP patterns within and among various subgroups of children, this study can provide a framework to assist parents, teachers, and consultants in developing more successful interventions for children-A majority of the research on social information processing in children has focused on aggression (Dodge & Coie, 1987;Dodge & Crick, 1990;Dodge et aL, 1986;Lochman & ...