Alternative Title

How self-concept development impacts psychosocial functioning

Publication Date

2017

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Study Type

Qualitative

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Attention-deficity-hyperactivity disorder, Attention-deficit-disordered youth-Psychology, Self-perception, Internalizing Symptoms Scale for Children, Social skills-Psychological aspects, ADHD, Self-concept, Psychosocial functioning, Ableism, Self-image, Internalizing disorders, Internalizing symptoms, Comorbidity, Depression, Anxiety, Narratives, Qualitative, Thematic analysis

Abstract

This study explores how young adults with ADHD construct self-concept, and how their self-concept impacts psychosocial functioning. Research shows that those with ADHD are more likely to experience significant setbacks across the lifespan due to impairments that negatively impact functioning in multiple life domains. Several studies note high comorbidity between ADHD and internalizing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Although existing research suggests neurobiological correlations, there has been little investigation into other causal relationships. This researcher interviewed eight young adults with ADHD hoping to illuminate other possible pathways between ADHD and the presentation of comorbid internalizing symptoms and behaviors. Findings of this study suggest that young adults with ADHD are subject to recurrent misattuned and negative feedback from the relational environment in response to ADHD impairments. Such experiences appear to have a detrimental impact on an individual’s self-concept and psychosocial functioning, thus exacerbating the burden of the condition.

Language

English

Comments

iv, 78 pages. Includes bibliographical references (pages 49-62)

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