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ADHD and ODD Symptoms in Toddlers: Common and Specific Associations with Temperament Dimensions

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Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the relationship between temperament and signs of psychopathology in typically developing toddlers. More specifically, Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) symptoms were analyzed in connection with fine-grained temperament dimensions. The sample was composed of 65 toddlers aged between 18 and 35 months. Bivariate correlations showed that higher levels of negative emotionality and approach tendencies, and lower levels of inhibitory control, were related to more ADHD and ODD manifestations. Bivariate correlations also indicated unique associations: lower levels of soothability were associated with higher ODD symptoms, whereas lower attentional focusing and low-intensity pleasure were related with higher ADHD symptoms. Additionally, regression and path analysis models indicated that ADHD was predominantly associated with attentional focusing and motor activation whereas ODD was most closely related to frustration. Our findings highlight the relevance of studying early correlates of psychopathological manifestations to identify children who could benefit from prevention and early intervention programs.

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Notes

  1. RDSI: Revised Duncan Sociometric Index [47].

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the contribution of the participating families and the staff of the day-care centers involved. We are also grateful for the funding provided by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness (Project PSI2017-84 556-P, FEDER funds) to the first (NSP) and fourth (CGS) authors, and the Washington State University of Arts and Sciences 2014 Berry Family Faculty Excellence Award to the third author (MAG).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain

    Noelia Sánchez-Pérez

  2. Psychology Department, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, USA

    Samuel P. Putnam

  3. Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA

    Maria A. Gartstein

  4. Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain

    Carmen González-Salinas

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  1. Noelia Sánchez-Pérez
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  2. Samuel P. Putnam
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  3. Maria A. Gartstein
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  4. Carmen González-Salinas
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Correspondence to Carmen González-Salinas.

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Sánchez-Pérez, N., Putnam, S.P., Gartstein, M.A. et al. ADHD and ODD Symptoms in Toddlers: Common and Specific Associations with Temperament Dimensions. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 51, 310–320 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-019-00931-3

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