Hyperactivity as a Function of Intrinsic Arousal Level and Stimulation-Seeking.

This study investigates physiological arousal and overt behaviors of hyperactive children in comparison with nonhyperactive children. It was predicted from Farley's (1974) theory of hyperactivity that hyperactive children would exhibit lower arousal and a stronger stimulation-seeking motive than nonhyperactive children. Four measures of hyperactivity were used; arousal was measured by the two-flash threshold and salivary response; two tasks measured the stimulation-seeking motive. Fifty-six second grade students were used in the study: 27 hyperactive, 29 nonhyperactive. The results did not indicate much contribution of arousal to hyperactivity. However, it was argued that the arousal measures, because of their severe attentional requirements, may not be appropriate for comparisons of hyperactive and nonhyperactive children. Recommendations for the more valid measurement of arousal in hyperactive children are made and directions for further testing of the theory outlined. (Author)