Liebman, M. (2014).

The Immediate Impact of Fast-Paced Television on Delay of Gratification in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Dissertation Defense

Matthew G. Liebman, M.A., M.S.

Chair: Eva Feindler, Ph.D.

Tuesday, Sept. 9^th 2014

Abstract

Inability to delay gratification is one of the more marked qualifiers of an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Voluntary postponement of immediate gratification is an essential facet of executive functioning (EF), and has been shown to be correlated with future academic and professional success. The role of fast-paced television in the lives of children is ever present; however its immediate effects have not been examined in depth in a clinical population. It is hypothesized that children with ADHD will be less able to effectively delay gratification after exposure to fast-paced television than after engaging in slower-paced activities, as well as after engaging in self-directed play, as is consistent with results in children without the diagnosis. Additionally, researchers purport that those with predominantly inattentive type will delay more effectively than those with hyperactive/impulsive and combined types. Forty-five participants will be divided into three separate experimental conditions, in which one group will be exposed to a fast-paced cartoon, one will be exposed to a slower-paced educational cartoon, and the third group will engage in a self-directed play activity. Ability to delay gratification after exposure will be measured in seconds by trained researchers. Results will be examined across type of ADHD diagnosis. Implications for parents regarding child development, as well as for psychologists and clinicians about addressing ADHD in children who watch fast-paced television will be discussed.