PERCEPTIONS OF METHYLPHENIDATE EFFECTS ON HYPERACTIVE CHILDRENS PEER INTERACTIONS

The behavioral constructs that emerge from observers' open-ended impre ssions of methylphenidate effects on the social behaviors of hyperacti ve children were examined Ninety-six undergraduates observed videotape s of two different hyperactive ''target'' boys, each playing an intera ction game with three peers. One target was taking methylphenidate and the other was taking placebo. The valence and content of observers' s ocial perceptions were analyzed Overall, more negative than positive b ehaviors were detected, a pattern more pronounced for the placebo than for the medication condition. Interestingly, placebo targets received negative evaluations for poorly controlled behaviors such as noncompl iance, aggression, and disruption, but medicated targets received nega tive evaluations for social inhibition-passive and submissive behavior s. In contrast, the boys' medication state did not consistently influe nce observers' perceptions of positive social behaviors. Discussion fo cused on the extent and consequences of medication-related increases i n social disengagement and on the ultimate impact of stimulant treatme nt on hyperactive children's social worlds.