An Exploration into the Relevance of Dickman's Functional and Dysfunctional Impulsivity Dichotomy for Understanding ADHD-type Behaviors
Author(s): Keith Morgan, Gareth Norris
Abstract: The importance of understanding the role of impulsivity as a central facet of Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been documented by a number of researchers (e.g. DuPaul, 1991; Wilding, 2005). Dickman (1990) separated impulsivity into two separate domains: functional and dysfunctional. These concepts related to both the consequences of the behavior, but more importantly their cognitive origins; the former being associated with rapid information processing speed and the latter the susceptibility to interference during decision making processes. Two studies were conducted to investigate this relationship; the first utilized 60 undergraduate students and the second included 40 school aged children. Both samples provided support for Dickman's dichotomy, with individuals with ADHD (diagnosed and self-report) both displaying strong correlations with dysfunctional impulsivity.
Pages: 34-44
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