Jamie L. Rathert

Gender Differences in Consequences of ADHD Symptoms in a Community-Based Organization for Youth.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been linked to disruptive behavior and disciplinary consequences; however, the variables involved in this process are largely unknown. The current study examined rule-breaking behavior as a mediator of the relation between ADHD symptoms and disciplinary actions 1 year later during after-school care at a community-based organization in a sample of 147 school-age children (M = 8.22 years; 54.4% male). Additionally, gender was examined as a moderator of these relations. Total ADHD symptoms positively predicted rule-breaking behavior at 1-year follow-up, which in turn was positively associated with disciplinary actions also at 1-year follow-up. Gender moderated these relations, such that the mediated effect of rule-breaking behavior on the association between total ADHD symptoms and disciplinary actions was significant for boys but not for girls. Further, when ADHD symptom dimensions were simultaneously included in the model, only hyperactive/impulsive symptoms were a positive predictor of rule-breaking behavior, and rule-breaking behavior mediated this link between hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and disciplinary actions. However, when examining ADHD symptom dimensions, no gender differences emerged. Implications for findings and future directions are discussed.

The influence of neighborhood safety on the relation between caregiver alcohol use and child symptoms of depression

Objective: To examine the potential moderating effect of neighborhood safety on the caregiver alcohol use and child depression relation. Background: Parental alcohol use is a risk factor for child adjustment outcomes, including depression. However, more research is needed in this area as many children of problem drinkers grow up healthy and well adjusted. Methods: This study examined the potential moderating effect of perceptions of neighborhood safety on the association between caregiver alcohol use and child symptoms of depression in a community sample of 89 children ranging from 9 to 12 years of age (mean = 10.4, SD = 1.1). Results: Findings suggest that for those who viewed their neighborhoods as less safe, caregiver alcohol use was positively related to child depression; however, for those who viewed their neighborhoods as more safe, caregiver alcohol use and child depression were not related. Conclusions: Intervention strategies should target children who reside in unsafe neighborhoods, particularly those exposed to caregiver substance use, as they may be more likely to experience depressive symptoms.