Biases in ratings of disruptive behavior in children: effects of sex and negative halos

OBJECTIVE: Behavior disorders are more prevalent among boys than girls, but the etiology of this difference is unclear. Studies have not tested for sex bias in ratings as a contributing factor to the differential sex prevalence rates. However, there are several studies showing "negative halo effects" in ratings of boys (i.e., the presence of one type of behavior artificially inflating ratings of another behavior). These findings have only been extended to girls in one recent study. The current study is designed to test for sex difference in (a) ratings of boys and girls who exhibit the same degree of disruptive behavior and (b) negative halo effects. METHOD: Two hundred and thirty-nine college students participated. Sex differences in ratings are not found. Nonetheless, bidirectional negative halo effects are found for boys and girls (i.e., the presence of oppositionality artificially increased ratings of inattention and hyperactivity; the presence of inattention and hyperactivity artificially increased oppositionality).