Multimethod assessment of covert antisocial behavior in children: Laboratory observations, adult ratings, and child self-report.

Abstract

Given the high risk for delinquency of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), their display of covert or clandestine antisocial behavior is important developmentally and theoretically. In a laboratory probe of the temptation to (a) steal small amounts of money and desired objects, (b) destroy property, and (c) use an answer key to cheat on a worksheet, counts of these covert behaviors were reliably made. Laboratory property destruction was highly correlated with parallel naturalistic behaviors. Stealing and property destruction (but not cheating) formed a factor that was distinct from overt physical and verbal aggression. These covert indexes clearly distinguished ADHD from comparison samples as well as high-from low-aggressive ADHD subgroups; they showed external validity with maternal reports, global staff ratings, and child self-reports of similar constructs. The authors discuss psychometric and ethical issues in the assessment of covert antisocial behavior.

What they want and what they get: The social goals of boys with ADHD and comparison boys

“…During the summer research program, we also investigated ADHD children's responses to methylphenidate. Other research utilizing this sample is reported in Anderson, Hinshaw, and Simmel (1994); Hinshaw, Simmel, and Heller (1995);and Nigg, Swanson, and Hinshaw (1996).…”

Conduct Problems, Depressive Symptomatology and Their Co-Occurring Presentation in Childhood as Predictors of Adjustment in Early Adolescence

“…Multiple informant data are preferable to increase reliability and validity and to capture average behavior across contexts, yet specific informants may be considered more valid for particular symptoms and settings. Self-reports are important sources for internalized symptoms, such as depression, and covert CP (Hinshaw, Simmel, & Heller, 1995), whereas teachers might be the best reporters for overt CP because they have access to a greater range of comparison youth (Stanger & Lewis, 1993). Finally, many studies of symptom patterns have involved small clinical samples, which tend to overestimate prevalence and prevent generalization to community populations (Angold & Costello, 1993).…”

The best friendships of aggressive boys: Relationship quality, conflict management, and rule-breaking behavior

“…The experimenter was then called out of the room and left the answer key near where the boys were working. This situation was based on one developed by Hinshaw, Simmel, and Heller (1993) to assess covert antisocial behavior. After 12 min, the experimenter returned and, without checking the boysÕ answers, told the boys that they would both receive a prize to thank them for their help with the project.…”