The Self-Enhancement Bias in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Origin, Nature, and Consequences

Abstract

Despite exhibiting functional impairments in a number of key domains, children with attention-deficit hyper- activity disorder (ADHD) tend to overestimate their own com- petence more than their peers without ADHD. In this review, we describe the evidence in support of a self-enhancement bias (SEB) in children with ADHD and factors that are asso- ciated with the presence of this bias. We discuss possible ex- planations for a SEB and the extent to which these inaccurate self-appraisals are adaptive or impairing. We conclude with implications for practice and further research. There is consid- erable evidence that the SEB exists in a substantial proportion of children with ADHD in several domains and likely persists into adolescence and adulthood. In treatment, clinicians may need to determine if any observed SEB is adaptive or maladap- tive for the individual and act accordingly.