Document Type

Senior Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Abstract

Despite more recent recognition, those with ADHD are till often left behind by their peers as they enter a world that is not built to accommodate them. They’re often left with less preparation for their entrance into adulthood which may lead to behavioral issues as they grow older. The current study examined neurotypical individuals as well as those diagnosed with ADHD and their behavioral issues in their adult life under the guidance of Agnew’s General Strain Theory (2002). Agnew’s theory posits that relationships that put strain on individuals may lead to these same individuals committing negative, and often criminal, behaviors. Specifically, this study examined the age of diagnosis, levels of treatment, and severity of ADHD symptoms of participants and whether or not these aspects correlated with the levels of behavioral issues they experienced. It was predicted that the higher the age of diagnosis, the more severe their behavioral issues would be and that a person treated medically for their ADHD will report less severe behavioral issues. It’s also predicted that the higher the severity of ADHD symptoms, the higher the severity of behavioral issues. Two out of the four hypotheses were partially supported. The data gathered implied that those diagnosed with ADHD do report a more erratic lifestyle than those who do not. It also implies that those with a high probability of having ADHD report more anti-social behaviors. The research also implies that the higher the severity of ADHD symptomatology, the higher their reported erratic lifestyle is. This research could be used as a foundational study for future research due to its addition to the literature in this realm of study. It could also be utilized for interventions in schools as it emphasizes the need for support of ADHD individuals in order to prevent future problem behavior.

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