ADHD and Self-Discrepancy: The Social Construction of ADHD in Adulthood

Once thought only to affect children, ADD/ADHD is increasingly being diagnosed in adults. This qualitative study utilizes grounded theory to describe the process of ADD/ADHD identity construction in a sample of 19 adults diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. An additional 30 unsolicited internet Internet narratives were collected to add depth to the analysis. This study examines various paradigms for understanding ADD/ADHD, explains how individuals construct and maintain an ADD/ADHD identity, and describes the impact of ADD/ADHD on daily life. It concludes by highlighting the role that social factors play in creating and exacerbating problems so great they are understood as a medical disability.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology

Grantor dc:publisher

Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Terchek, Joshua J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kahana , Eva

• Sociology
• ADD/ADHD
• medical sociology
• social constructionsism
• medicalization
• illness experience

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: some rights reserved. It is licensed for use under a Creative Commons license. Specific terms and permissions are available from this document's record in the OhioLINK ETD Center.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1363604180

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:case1363604180