Attention styles and peer relationships of hyperactive and normal boys and girls.

Attention skills of hyperactive and normal boys and girls and behavioral ratings by teachers were investigated. Peer perceptions were obtained using a sociometric measure. Results supported previous research that found attentional deficits in hyperactive children. Results also suggested that hyperactive girls, as well as hyperactive boys, have difficulty with peer relationships. Hyperactive boys and girls displayed different patterns of problem behavior, although both groups displayed more problems than normal boys and girls. Specifically, the hyperactive girls displayed more conduct problem behavior than normal girls, but less than hyperactive boys. Because of the disruptive behavior problems they present, hyperactive boys may be identified earlier than are hyperactive girls.