Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder tend to engage in unsatisfactory peer relationships, being at risk for social rejection or victimization. The aim of this study was to compare the perception of friendship quality and conflict regarding their best friend in 17 boys with and 19 without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The subjects were 7 to 9 years of age and data collection was performed through a semi-structured interview and application of the Friendship Quality Scale. The perception of friendship quality did not differ between the boys with and without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the older boys without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder scored their perceived friendship quality higher. The perception of conflict situations was higher in boys with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also higher in those of 9 year of age compared to the younger children with this condition. It is speculated that children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder better perceive conflict situations with a best friend, as they grow older, as social and cognitive growth might help them better capture the negative peer reactions to their frequent disrespect for social rules.
Child; Child development; Attetion deficit disorder with hyperactivity disorder