Machiavellianism and Related Behavioral Problems in Chinese Boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The aim of this article is to examine the Machiavellian beliefs in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related behavioral problems. A sample of 70 Chinese boys aged 8~12 years with ADHD (17 cases have co morbid oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD+ODD) and normal controls were evaluated with Kiddie-Mach scales and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). There were significant differences between patients and controls. Boys with ADHD showed significantly higher Machiavellian beliefs than controls. However, boys with ADHD+ODD did not differ from boys with ADHD alone in Machiavellian beliefs. Withdrawal subscales, social subscales, attention subscales, internalizing behavior subscales and total problems of CBCL were positively correlated with Mach (p<0.05~0.01); social relations, school performance and total competence were negatively correlated with Mach (P<0.05~0.01). Conclusively, boys with ADHD have more Machiavellian beliefs. No difference emerges between boys with ADHD+ODD and with ADHD alone in Machiavellian beliefs. There are moderate correlations between Machiavellianism and behavioral problems and social impairment, especially internalizing behavioral problems and interpersonal communication embarrassment. [Life Science Journal. 2009; 6(4):56 61] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135)