Thesis
Age as a potential moderator in the relation between executive dysfunction and ADHD symptom severity: a cross-sectional study
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2019
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100449
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent, impairing disorder that is usually diagnosed in childhood. The cognitive impairments and consequences in school, work, and home life likely stem, in part, from executive functioning (EF) deficits. The current study examined ADHD symptom severity as it changes relative to age, executive dysfunction's relation to ADHD symptom severity, and age as a moderator of that relation. A total of 44 parents of children in a community sample between the ages of 9 and 12 years (child group) and 102 parents of young adults in a community sample between the ages of 18 and 22 years (young adult group) participated in the current study (for a total sample size of 146 participants) via completion of online surveys regarding the variables of interest. Results demonstrated that ADHD symptom severity differed between the two age groups, with the child group demonstrating more severe ADHD symptoms. A significant relation between executive dysfunction and ADHD symptom severity was also found. Although the overall relation between executive dysfunction and ADHD symptom severity was not moderated by age group, exploratory analyses demonstrated that the relation between certain domains of executive function (i.e., poor set shifting, emotional dyscontrol, and initiating difficulties) and ADHD symptom severity was moderated by age. Limitations of the current study as well as clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Age as a potential moderator in the relation between executive dysfunction and ADHD symptom severity
- Creators
- Robyn Shea Herbert
- Contributors
- Tammy D. Barry (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Psychology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525390301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis