Occupational Identity, Competence, and Environments Among Adults With and Without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Exploring occupational adaptation among adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is essential due to associated occupational difficulties. Occupational Performance History Interview scales—identity, competence, and environments—were compared between 51 adults with and 50 without ADHD who participated in occupations. Internal and external resources supporting occupational participations were represented by the competence and environment scales, respectively. The group with ADHD reported fewer internal and external occupational resources compared to the group without ADHD, despite occupational identity similarities. Study findings suggest that occupational interventions aimed at increasing internal and external occupational resources may support occupational adaptation among adults with ADHD.

Keywords:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• occupational adaptation
• Model of Human Occupation

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the study participants and to Katy Averboukh and Tamar Misha, occupational therapists and graduate students who participated in collecting and processing the study data.