ADHD symptoms, academic achievement, self‐perception of academic competence and future orientation: A longitudinal study

Abstract

In the investigation of the effect of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms on school careers there is a need to study the role of adolescent and childhood ADHD symptoms and academic achievement, and to incorporate measures that include the individual's perspective. Our aim was to gain an overview of the long-term development of school careers in relation to ADHD symptoms. We studied associations between ADHD symptoms and academic achievement at different time-points and future orientation at the end of high school, and assessed the role of self-perceptions of academic competence in these associations. Participants were 192 children (47% girls) with a range of ADHD symptoms taken from a community sample. Collecting data at three time points, in 6th, 11th and 12th grade we tested a structural equation model. Results showed that ADHD symptoms in 6th grade negatively affected academic achievement concurrently and longitudinally. ADHD symptoms in 11th grade negatively affected concurrent academic achievement and academic self-perception and future orientation in 12th grade. Academic achievement had a positive influence on academic self-perception and future orientation. Given the other factors, self-perception of academic competence did not contribute to outcomes. We concluded that early ADHD symptoms may cast long shadows on young people's academic progress. This happens mainly by way of stability in symptoms and relations to early low academic achievement.

The Direct/Indirect Association of ADHD/ODD Symptoms with Self-esteem, Self-perception, and Depression in Early Adolescents

“…This is consistent with a previous survey conducted with a community sample (18). The authors found that severe inattentive symptoms were associated with decreased self-perception in terms of scholastic and athletic competence, both of which are related to school activities and classes.…”

“…One study found a significant relationship between parent-rated and self-reported ADHD symptoms in adolescents aged 13 (17). Scholtens et al (18) conducted a community sample study and reported that ADHD symptoms had a negative effect on academic progress and academic self-perception. Additionally, Glass et al (19) examined the relationship between self-esteem and conduct problems in adolescents with ADHD and reported that self-esteem was significantly lower in adolescents with ADHD and conduct problems but not in adolescents with ADHD only.…”

Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During Adolescence in the Primary Care Setting: A Concise Review

“…About 80–85% of pre-teens continue to experience symptoms into the adolescent years and 60% into adulthood 8–10 . Adolescents with ADHD have difficulties in sustaining attention in routine tasks 1 , academic performance 11 , peer relations (e.g., increased victimization), and family cohesiveness 12–15 . Untreated patients have higher rates of risky sexual behaviors 12 , suicidal thoughts in college 16 , incarcerations 13 , automobile accidents 17,18 , occupational difficulties and medical burden 19 .…”

“…Adolescents with ADHD have difficulties in sustaining attention in routine tasks 1 , academic performance 11 , peer relations (e.g., increased victimization), and family cohesiveness 12–15 . Untreated patients have higher rates of risky sexual behaviors 12 , suicidal thoughts in college 16 , incarcerations 13 , automobile accidents 17,18 , occupational difficulties and medical burden 19 . They have lower self-esteem, social functioning, economic achievement and higher rates of substance use 20,21 .…”

Power Struggle, Submission and Partnership: Agency Constructions of Mothers of Children with ADHD Diagnosis in Their Narrated School Involvement

“…Although children falling under the globally steadily increasing diagnosis of ADHD have been shown to have academic and social difficulties (e.g., Ohlmeier 2008;Scholtens, Rydell & Yang-Wallentin, 2013), these possible adverse trajectories cannot be explained solely in terms of inadequate cognitive processes.…”