Executive Functioning, Stress, and Interpersonal Support in Adults with ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. ADHD symptoms are primarily caused by executive functioning (EF) deficits according to the executive functioning theory of ADHD. Additionally, adults with ADHD are more likely to experience life stress, which is associated with greater challenges with EF. Previous research suggests that interpersonal supports may buffer the negative affects of stress on the executive functioning of adolescents with ADHD symptoms, while the current study extends the investigation to adults with ADHD. A sample of 66 adults with a formal diagnosis of ADHD were recruited for the study. Participants completed the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale Short Form (Barkley, 2011), the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale (Holmes and Rahe, 1967), and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (Cohen & Hoberman, 1983). The research questions investigated baseline experiences of EF, stress, and interpersonal support in adults with ADHD, and how EF, stress, and interpersonal support are related based on the stress-buffering hypothesis. Results showed that the majority of adults with ADHD reported experiencing significant EF deficits, at least borderline high experiences of life stress, and moderate levels of interpersonal support. However, no relationship among the variables of interest were noted, and the stress-buffering effect of interpersonal support was not observed. Sample related factors such as education level and gender are discussed as potential explanations for the findings of the study. Additionally, the study discusses potential implications of the findings for adults with ADHD and future research directions.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education Graduate Program – Educational Psychology

Grantor

Werklund School of Education

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Cho, Daniel

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Climie, Emma

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Schroeder, Meadow
• Ellard, John

• ADHD
• executive functioning
• stress
• interpersonal support
• adults

Statement dc:rights

• Unless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/49839

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:1880/122247