Occupational identity of adolescents with ADHD: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: Occupational identity (OI) is shaped by occupational experiences over time and has been studied among individuals with a variety of health conditions. Adolescents with ADHD face numerous challenges in their occupational performance that may threaten their OI.

Objective: This study sought to compare the occupational identities of adolescents with and without ADHD and to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of OI among adolescents with ADHD.

Methods: Sixty-four adolescents with (n = 21) and without ADHD (n = 43) were interviewed using the Occupational Performance History Interview (OPHI-II). A mixed methodology was applied, using quantitative and subsequent qualitative content analyses of 10 interviews, with a directed approach.

Results: OPHI-II OI interval scores and 7/11 items of the OI scale were significantly lower in the ADHD group compared to controls. In the qualitative content analyses, three major themes were found: (i) the meaning of success in academic participation, (ii) the consequences of not succeeding in academic participation and (iii) self-explanations for not succeeding in academic participation.

Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the presence of OI challenges among adolescents with ADHD. Occupational therapy intervention may be needed in order to promote occupational adaptation.

Keywords:

• Content analysis
• model of human occupation
• OPHI-II

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the adolescents who participated in this study and the occupational therapists and graduate occupational therapy students who interviewed transcribed and rated data.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.