Keywords
ADHD; Identification with Culture; Cultural Stigma; Identity Formation; Identity Distress
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cultural stigma, and identity in a sample of college-age students. Previous studies have primarily focused on children, yet few have examined ADHD as it persists into adulthood. Likewise, studies examining cultural stigma and identity were limited and primarily examined stigma toward mental health as a general concept rather than ADHD-specific attitudes. To address these disparities, a sample of undergraduate college students enrolled in psychology courses at a large metropolitan university (N = 339) were recruited and took an anonymous online survey in exchange for course credit. Based on a self-report screening survey, 20.4% of this sample would meet the criteria for ADHD, which is significantly higher than the 7.2% prevalence of ADHD in children and 2.5% prevalence of ADHD in adults reported in the general population. Participants who met the criteria for ADHD displayed significantly higher levels of identity distress and anticipated stigma and lower levels of identification with American culture as well as their respective ethnic cultures. Both ADHD symptom severity and ADHD stigma predicted reported higher levels of identity distress. Participants who reported higher levels of ADHD stigma also scored higher in ruminative exploration, suggesting that negative intrinsic attitudes and beliefs toward ADHD contribute to difficulties in establishing their respective identities.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Berman, Steven
College
College of Sciences
Department
Psychology
Thesis Discipline
Clinical Psychology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
UCF Sanford/Lake Mary
STARS Citation
Frank, Jessica T., "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cultural Stigma, and Identity Distress Among College Students" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 299.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/299
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons
Rights Statement
