Date of Award

2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Psychology

Specialization

Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Lisa L. Weyandt

Abstract

Objective: Individuals with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are attending college at higher rates than ever before. While much research has been performed to assess academic and vocational outcomes, very few studies have examined quality of life (QoL) outcomes. The present study sought to closely examine the role of treatment, executive functioning, symptom severity, and demographic factors in predicting quality of life among college students with ADHD. Method: Data for the proposed study was gathered through the four year, longitudinal Trajectories Related to ADHD in College Students (TRAC) project and were analyzed to identify differences in quality of life among college students with ADHD according to treatment status, executive functioning, ADHD symptom severity, race, ethnicity, and sex. Predictors were compared across individuals with and without ADHD. Results: Predictors for individuals with and without ADHD were comparable, with no significant differences within the variables explored. Medication, but not therapy, was predictive of QoL in Year 1, while executive functioning was predictive of QoL in Years 1 and 4. Conclusion: Medication and executive functioning emerged as the most important contributors to QoL in the present model and should be considered in treatment approaches for college students with ADHD.

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