The relationship model among parent–child relationship, coping responses and behavioral problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) constitutes a prevalent behavioral problem. The present study examined the parent–child relationship model and investigated strategies to cope with behavioral problems in children with ADHD. METHODS: This descriptive study selected 300 children with ADHD using convenience sampling. The data collected using the child behavior checklist, the parent–child relationship scale (PCRS), the Billings and Moos Coping Checklist, the socioeconomic status questionnaire, the general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and a demographic checklist were analyzed in SPSS-25 and LISREL 8.8. RESULTS: According to the results of the path analysis on the relationship model among parent–child relationship domains, coping responses and children's behavioral problems, parent–child dependency domain (B = 0.22) in the direct path, disease duration (B = 0.085) in the indirect path, and conflicts in the domain of parent–child relationship (B = 0.366) in both direct and indirect paths had the most positive causal effect on behavioral problems. Furthermore, intimacy in the said domain (B = -0.42) had the most negative causal effect in both direct and indirect paths. The extent to which parents used coping responses via the direct path had a positive causal effect on behavioral problems (B = 0.12). Based on the path analysis test findings in the relationship model among positive parent–child relationship, coping responses and children's behavioral problems, the positive parent–child relationship score had the most negative causal effect via the direct path (B = -0.56). Conversely, the child's age had the highest positive causal effect via the indirect path (B = 0.1) on behavioral problems in children. CONCLUSION: Based on findings, there is a causal and significant relationship between the parent–child relationship and the extent to which coping responses are used. It is recommended that training programs be developed to strengthen communication skills, coping responses and problem-solving techniques in parents.