Perceptions of support among university students diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Date
2021
Authors
Grove, Zacharias Blomerus
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Abstract
This study explored the perception of support of university students diagnosed with ADHD. It aimed to add to the limited existing research exploring university students’ perceptions of support. The study specifically aimed to highlight support utilised in the South African context. Eight participants were recruited for the present study: six males and two females.
Seven participants were between 18 and 25 years, and one participant was older than 25 years. Non-probability purposive sampling methods were used to select candidates. The
participants were from three institutions of higher education. The themes that emerged from the data analysis suggest that ADHD medication was the main form of treatment.
Participants perceived this form of support to be effective in helping them to focus but expressed physical and socio-emotional side effects. Furthermore, participants indicated
that they did not utilise psychosocial support systems and relied on themselves for support. Participants who did use psychosocial support expressed mixed perceptions. Participants
also discussed the academic interventions they utilised in relation to their ADHD and their perceptions of this support. A need was expressed for tutorials and support groups, as well
as greater social awareness about ADHD in the university context. The implications of the study and future directions are discussed.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Education (Educational Psychology) to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Human and
Community Development, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021
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Citation
Grove. Zacharias Blomerus (2021) Perceptions of support among university students diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, <http://hdl.handle.net/10539/35614>