| dc.description | Researchers have reported that children with behavior disorders are more likely to experience injury than children without behavior disorders. Distinguishing injury patterns and developing effective strategies to interrupt these patterns continues to be a challenge. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to further our understanding of why children with ADHD experience more injuries than children without ADHD. In the quantitative inquiry, child attributes (temperament, overestimation and ADHD) associated with injuries were examined and in the qualitative inquiry, attributes that children associated with injury (individual, family and community level) were examined. Quantitative findings suggest that children with ADHD overestimate their physical abilities but this was not associated with injuries. Children with ADHD described overestimation but within the context of multiple other factors they associated with risk. A theory of social reaction is proposed as a plausible theory underlying children's perceptions of risk and associated injuries. A number of issues are raised, particularly for those children with ADHD who overestimate their ability, inaccurately interpret social cues and are willing to take a risk. These children could attribute less personal responsibility for their behavior and fewer negative consequences, therefore be a group of children least likely to respond to traditional injury prevention strategies. Testing innovative prevention strategies based on this theory could lead to more effective interventions. | en_US |
