ERIC Number: EJ814275
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-2194
EISSN: N/A
Learning Disabilities and Risk-Taking Behavior in Adolescents: A Comparison of Those with and without Comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
McNamara, John; Vervaeke, Sherri-Leigh; Willoughby, Teena
Journal of Learning Disabilities, v41 n6 p561-574 2008
Risk-taking behavior includes alcohol and drug use, delinquency, acts of aggression, sexual activity, and so on. Many studies have explored the relationship between adolescents and risk-taking behavior; however, only a few studies have examined this link in adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The purpose of the present study was to address that limitation by comparing the risk-taking behavior of adolescents with LD (n = 230), with comorbid LD/ADHD (n = 92), and without LD or ADHD (n = 322) on their substance use, engagement in major and minor delinquency, acts of aggression, sexual activity, and gambling activities. The study also investigated whether psychosocial variables (e.g., well-being) may act as mediating variables that help explain between-group differences. Results suggest that it is a combination of the LD and the secondary psychosocial characteristics that explains why adolescents with LD and comorbid LD/ADHD more frequently engage in some risk-taking behavior. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Delinquency, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Adolescents, Sexuality, At Risk Persons, Aggression, Correlation, Antisocial Behavior, Psychological Patterns, Social Influences, Foreign Countries, High School Students, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, Smoking, Juvenile Gangs, Weapons, Bullying, Well Being, Leisure Time, Friendship, Anxiety, Depression (Psychology), Self Esteem, Parent Child Relationship
SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2814
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A