Fundamentals of Mental Health

Fundamentals of Mental Health

The association between parenting styles and self-esteem in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Pouya Taji 1
Aazam Sadat Heydari Yazdi 2
Fatemeh Moharreri 3
Arash Ziaee 1
Saeed Akhlaghi 4
1 General physician, Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2 Associate professor of child and adolescent psychiatry, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
3 Professor of child and adolescent psychiatry, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
4 Assistant professor in biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
10.22038/jfmh.2026.85843.3213
Abstract
Introduction: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly affects children's behavior, academic performance, and social interactions. These challenges can impact a child's self-esteem, and the role of parents in positive self-perceptions and emotional well-being is crucial. This study aimed to assess the association between parenting styles and self-esteem in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 77 participants at Ibn-e-Sina Psychiatric Hospital-Mashhad-Iran during January 2023-December 2024. A child and adolescent psychiatrist established the initial ADHD diagnosis (DSM-5-TR). We evaluated the participants using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham-IV Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI). Parents also completed the Baumrind Parenting Styles Questionnaire. Analyses were conducted in SPSS v23.
Results: Very low and low self-esteem were observed in 39% and 16.9% of participants, respectively. The authoritative parenting style had the highest mean score, followed by permissive and authoritarian. Parenting styles showed no association with self-esteem or ADHD symptom scores. Self-esteem was higher in boys than girls (P= 0.023) and higher in elementary versus middle and high school students (P< 0.001). In multiple linear regression, age was independently and negatively associated with self-esteem (β= −0.352, P= 0.003).
Conclusion: In the present study, no significant relationship was observed between self-esteem and parenting style, and age was an independent factor affecting self-esteem level. To obtain more accurate results, longitudinal studies and larger sample sizes are needed.
Keywords
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Parenting
Self-esteem
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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 28, Issue 3
May and June 2026
Pages 185-194