Prediction of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children based on parents' communication patterns in the family, interpersonal relationship problems and mothers' attachment styles

The communication patterns of parents and the quality of interpersonal relationships in the family are among the factors that have received much attention in the context of the aggravating factors of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. This research was conducted with the aim of predicting the severity of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children based on the communication patterns of parents in the family, the quality of interpersonal relationships, and the attachment styles of mothers. The descriptive research method was correlation type. The statistical population of the current study included all children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Qom city in 1400, and 270 people were selected as a sample based on the table of Karjesi and Morgan. Data were collected using the revised scale of Ritchie and Fitzpatrick's family communication patterns (Ritchie & Fitzpatrick, 1990), interpersonal problems scale (Herwitz et al., 1988), adult attachment style questionnaire (Hazen and Shaver, 1987) and Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms questionnaire (Snape, 1980) was collected. The analysis of the findings through Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analysis showed that there is a significant negative correlation between communication orientation and secure attachment styles with the severity of symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conformity orientation. There is a significant positive correlation between interpersonal problems and fearful, preoccupied and distant attachment styles with the severity of symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children (p < 0.05). In other words, by increasing safe attachment styles and communication orientation, we can witness the reduction of symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The results showed that conformity, interpersonal relationship problems, communication and phobic attachment style play a role in predicting the severity of symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.