Attention-deficit hyperactivity disordered boys' evaluations of and attributions for task performance on medication versus placebo

J Abnorm Psychol. 1989 Aug;98(3):280-4. doi: 10.1037//0021-843x.98.3.280.

Abstract

The present study examined the effects of stimulant medication on the self-evaluations of and attributions for task performance of 26 attention-deficit hyperactivity disordered boys. Each boy performed a continuous performance task twice, once while on medication and once while on placebo. Immediately following the completion of the task, the boys were asked a series of questions concerning their self-evaluations of, and attributions for, their performance. Two findings of note were obtained. First, medication, compared with placebo, increased the correspondence between the boys' self-evaluations and their performance. Second, the boys did not use medication as a frequent explanation for their performance, as others have predicted. In fact, the boys picked medication as an explanation for their successes significantly less often than either effort or ability.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Achievement / drug effects*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Child
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Set, Psychology*

Substances

  • Methylphenidate