ADD symptoms, self-image and emotional intelligence in early adolescence

Introduction: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder which affects around 3%-7% of school-aged children, more often boys than girls. The present research aims to explore the relationship between ADD symptoms, Emotional Intelligence and Self-Image and how different levels of ADD affect emotional intelligence and self-perception. Method: We administered to a total of 370 young adolescents (girls = 203, boys = 167) with an age range of 12 years to 16 years (mean = 13; standard deviation = .59), the following self-reports: SIE - Self-Image Evaluation; EQ-i: YV - Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version; Brown ADD Scales - Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales. Results: deficits in emotional intelligence were associated with a negative evaluation of self-image in adolescents who scored higher on the Brown ADD Scales. Discussion: the group with ADD symptoms presented low levels of adaptability and lower scores in general mood, overall scoring lower on the EQ-i: YV compared to the group without ADD symptoms.