Attention problems and peer crowd affiliation among adolescents

This preliminary study explored the association between symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and self-identified peer crowd affiliation in a community sample of adolescents. Studying peer crowd affiliation in adolescents with ADHD is important to help clarify the nature of peer relationships and social functioning in this population. Participants were 41 adolescents aged 11-17 who completed the lab-based study. ADHD symptoms were assessed using parent and teacher report, and peer crowd affiliation was based on self-report. Results suggested a negative relation between ADHD symptoms and affiliation with the Brains peer crowd, and a positive relation between ADHD symptoms and affiliation with the Jocks crowd. There was inconclusive evidence linking symptoms of ADHD to the Deviants or Populars peer crowds, perhaps because of the small sample size. The results have the potential to inform school mental health practices that seek to identity young people at risk for affiliating with specific peer crowds. Strengths and limitations are discussed.