The Effectiveness of a Counseling Program in Reducing Types of Parental Child Abuse in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

The characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder represent a challenge for parents when dealing with these children. These children offer behavior which is unpredictable, and rather difficult to control their behavior and their leadership. This makes them more vulnerable to abuse by their parents. So, the current research attempts to measure the effectiveness of a counseling program in reducing types of parental child abuse in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The sample consists of 17 parents of children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and are divided into two groups: control group consisting of eight parents (four fathers, four mothers), and an experimental group consisting of nine members (five fathers, four mothers). The tools used are: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder scale(designed by Kadey, 2010); Child abuse and neglect Scale, (Basa, 2005); the social, economic and cultural level of the family scale (Beyomey, 2000), and the behavioral counseling program. Results indicate that the counseling program for the parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder prove its effectiveness in reducing types of parental abuse (physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect).