Examination of ADHD Symptoms in Children of Traveling Armed Services Members

145 Pages·2017·1.22 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2015
Examination of ADHD Symptoms in Children of
Traveling Armed Services Members
Giovanda Dewette Norman
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by

Giovanda Norman

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Brent Robbins, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Gordon Vessels, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Mitchell Hicks, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2015
Abstract
Examination of ADHD Symptoms in Children of Traveling Armed Services Members
by
Giovanda D. Norman

MA, Walden University, 2009
BS, Chapman University, 2005

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Psychology

Walden University
August 2015
Abstract
Research has captured a notable increase in the diagnosis of attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United States. This increase in ADHD diagnosis is
also seen in children in military communities. A gap in the literature exists regarding how
military deployment affects the presentation of ADHD symptoms of children aged 3 to
15 in military families. The study examined the effect of military deployment status on
children aged 3 to 15 with symptoms of ADHD. Participants were 164 military families,
representative of the diversity of the military, from military bases around Southern
California. Each participant responded to 2 questionnaires: a demographic questionnaire
and the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Patient Rating Scale for parents. The independent
variable was military deployment status (deployment > 6 months, deployment < 6
months, or no deployment) within the previous 48 months. The dependent variable was
ADHD symptoms. The covariates were ethnicity, family structure, and parents’ age.
Results of chi-square and hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that there was
no statistically significant relationship between parents’ deployment status and ADHD
symptoms of children. When covariates were added to the model, only older parental age
predicted higher levels of symptoms in children. Results may be used to educate all
involved parties and provide effective strategies, to enhance social development, and to
compensate for periods of absence.
Examination of ADHD Symptoms in Children of Traveling Armed Services Members
by
Giovanda D. Norman

MA, Walden University, 2009
BS, Chapman University, 2005

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Psychology

Walden University
August 2015
Dedication
I dedicate my entire dissertation and future service to God, my Heavenly Father.
He restores my soul, and leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge Dr. Brent Robbins, methods expert and committee
chair, and Dr. Gordon Vessels, content expert and committee member for their expertise,
encouragement, and counsel throughout this process. I also thank my beautiful husband
who selflessly and consistently navigated this journey with me, as he lovingly kept me on
task, and reminded me of my purpose and light.
Table of Contents
List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study .................................................................................. 1
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
Background of the Study ............................................................................................. 6
Statement of the Problem ........................................................................................... 10
Purpose of the Study .................................................................................................. 12
Research Questions and Hypotheses ......................................................................... 12
Theoretical Framework .............................................................................................. 13
Assumptions .............................................................................................................. 14
Definition of Terms ................................................................................................... 16
Significance of the Study and Positive Social Change .............................................. 18
Summary .................................................................................................................... 19
Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 20
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 20
Background ................................................................................................................ 22
Children’s Special Health Care Needs .................................................................. 25
Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Care ...................................................... 25
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder .................................................................. 29
Characteristics and Prevalence ............................................................................. 29
Family Influences.................................................................................................. 34
ADHD Subtypes ................................................................................................... 38
i
ADHD and ODD................................................................................................... 40
ADHD and Emotional Disorders .......................................................................... 43
ADHD and Academic Performance...................................................................... 45
ADHD and Social Competence ............................................................................ 48
Military Families ....................................................................................................... 51
Family Relocation ................................................................................................. 51
The Deployment Cycle ......................................................................................... 53
Military Deployment versus Other Employment Absence ................................... 57
Effects of Military Deployment on Children ........................................................ 58
Military Deployed Mothers................................................................................... 72
School Staff Perception of Military Families ....................................................... 73
Opposing Views ......................................................................................................... 75
Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 77
Chapter 3: Research Method ............................................................................................. 79
Overview .................................................................................................................... 79
Research Design ........................................................................................................ 79
Appropriateness of the Research Design ................................................................... 81
Research Question and Hypotheses ........................................................................... 81
Population and Sample .............................................................................................. 82
Methodology .............................................................................................................. 83
Demographic Information Sheet ........................................................................... 83
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS).......................... 84
ii
Validity and Reliability .............................................................................................. 84
Data Collection .......................................................................................................... 85
Data Analysis ............................................................................................................. 87
Ethical Procedures ..................................................................................................... 90
Summary .................................................................................................................... 91
Chapter 4: Results ............................................................................................................. 92
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 92
Data Collection and Descriptive Statistics ................................................................ 93
Data Cleaning ............................................................................................................ 94
Demographics of the Sample ..................................................................................... 95
Individual Demographics ...................................................................................... 95
Family Demographics ........................................................................................... 96
Military Demographics ......................................................................................... 98
ADHD Demographics ........................................................................................... 99
Results...................................................................................................................... 100
Research Question 1 ........................................................................................... 100
Research Question 2 ........................................................................................... 101
Summary .................................................................................................................. 105
Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations ......................................... 107
Overview .................................................................................................................. 107
Interpretation of Findings ........................................................................................ 110
Implications for Social Change ............................................................................... 111
iii