Date of Submission

2009

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP

First Advisor

Stuart Badner, Psy.D., Chairperson

Second Advisor

Rosemary Mennuti, Ed.D.

Third Advisor

Rina Maschler, Psy.D.

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects between 3% and 5% of school-age children. In addition to hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention, and impulsivity, children with ADHD have been found to have lower self-perceptions than their peers who do not have ADHD. Researchers have attempted to explain why children with ADHD have lower self-perceptions. Despite these studies, little research has explored how these children perceive themselves, others, and their world from their perspective. In addition, even fewer researchers have studied how these children cope. The purpose of this study was to delve into the lives of six children with ADHD as a means of examining their perceptions of themselves, others, and their worlds, as well as the coping strategies that they use to navigate their worlds, using a qualitative design.

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