An implementation of psychosocial help program to the mothers of elementary school children diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD): An experimental study

In this study, a psychosocial help program based on Diana Baumrind's (1967) "Child Care Practices Anteceding Three Patterns of Preschool Behavior" study is provided to the mothers of the elementary school students who are diagnosed with "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)" The aim of the psychosocial help program is to help the mothers to reestablish their relationships with their children. In the program, the mothers are given comprehensive information about appropriate maturity demands that are compatible with childrens' ages, parental control patterns, and close, warm and nurturant approach for healthier relationship. Study is conducted in three schools; two of them in Seyhan District of Adana and one of them in Toroslar Dsitrict of Mersin. Fifty students and 50 mothers were included in the sample. Data were collected by Conners' Parent (CPRS) and Teacher Rating (CTRS) Scales, Family Assesment Device(FAD) and Parental Attitude Resarch Instrument (PARI). The quantitative data collected in the experimental section of the study are complemented by the qualitative data obtained from interviews with four mothers who participated in "Helping At Home Approach" (HAHA) implemented between the years of 2009-2012. Interviews are done by semi-structured interview form. HAHA is based on findings of Baumrind's study, and based on concepts of Baumrind's work: communication, maturity demands, nurturance, and control. Unlike the experimental section of study, HAHA comprises close and intense contact with the mother and the child, observing family interactions, giving feedback to the members of the family, being role model for the parents, accompanying all members of the family, reducing the tension of mother-child relationship and reconstructing the worn out familial interactions. Descriptive analysis methods are used in the evaluation of data obtained from HAHA. The findings of the experimental section of the study yield that, after two months of implementation, the mothers' communication, problem solving skills, affective responsiveness, general family functioning, and democratic attitudes are significantly improved. On the other hand overparenting, applying strict discipline, rejecting the housewife role, and marital conflict are significantly decreased. Significant differences are found for students' ADHD like behaviors at the level of .05 (p=.008). The mean scores declined from 63,08 to 47,32, decrease by 25%. In HAHA group, the mean scores declined from 41,75 to 16,00, decrease by 61,6%. In addition to the achievements of the mothers in the experimental section, in subdimensions such as improvement at roles and affective involvement are observed in mothers participated HAHA section. Key words: ADHD/Self-control and Motivation Problems, psychosocial help, family, child-rearing attitudes.