Situational Hyperactivity: A Social System Approach

A sociological approach for viewing hyperactivity has been proposed. Its explanatory power may at this time be limited to differentiating between situational hyperactivity and a medical model for explaining the syndrome. Further research could serve to expand and illuminate this theory. However, even as presently formulated, by focusing on situational hyperactivity we have a perspective that returns meaning to the child's behavior. We can now inquire as to what hyperactive children can tell us about school systems, family structure, and the position of children in our own society. Putting meaning back into explanations of behavior can produce greater insights into our understanding of children and the social systems in which they operate.