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

Despite exhibiting functional impairments in a number of key domains, children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to overestimate their own competence 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 associated with the presence of this bias. We discuss possible explanations 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 considerable 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 maladaptive for the individual and act accordingly. © 2016, Springer International Publishing Switzerland.