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The Self-Enhancement Bias in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Origin, Nature, and Consequences

  • ADHD (P Robaey, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Despite exhibiting functional impairments in a number of key domains, children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to overestimate their own competence more than their peers without ADHD. In this review, we describe the evidence in support of a self-enhancement bias (SEB) in children with ADHD and factors that are associated with the presence of this bias. We discuss possible explanations for a SEB and the extent to which these inaccurate self-appraisals are adaptive or impairing. We conclude with implications for practice and further research. There is considerable evidence that the SEB exists in a substantial proportion of children with ADHD in several domains and likely persists into adolescence and adulthood. In treatment, clinicians may need to determine if any observed SEB is adaptive or maladaptive for the individual and act accordingly.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, Universidad Jaume I, Av. de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain

    Carla Colomer

  2. Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, 45 Walmer Road, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Rhonda Martinussen

  3. Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Judith Wiener

Authors
  1. Carla Colomer
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  2. Rhonda Martinussen
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  3. Judith Wiener
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Correspondence to Rhonda Martinussen.

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Carla Colomer, Rhonda Martinussen, and Judith Wiener declare that they have no conflict of interest

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on ADHD

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Colomer, C., Martinussen, R. & Wiener, J. The Self-Enhancement Bias in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Origin, Nature, and Consequences. Curr Dev Disord Rep 3, 1–6 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-016-0073-y

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