M.A. (Psychology)

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M.A. (Psychology) / Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterised by problems relating to attention, impulsive behaviour and hyperactivity, has become widely accepted to be a neurodevelopmental disorder that persists into adulthood for a large proportion of the ADHD population. ADHD symptoms are reported to undergo developmental transformation from childhood to adulthood, resulting in a significantly different clinical picture of adult ADHD. This signals a need to move away from reliance on childhood models of the disorder. Current conceptions of both childhood and adult ADHD do not discuss the occurrence of hyperfocus (or flow), a symptom which seems to connote an extreme form of sustained attention and which has been noted in clinical work. The possibility that hyperfocus could occur in ADHD is unexpected and poses a challenge to current formulations of inattention in ADHD. Media settings have been identified as providing the conditions needed for one to enter the hyperfocus state. This study set out to explore the possible symptom of hyperfocus in ADHD and to attempt to identify the neural correlates thereof, using electroencephalograph (EEG). A sample of 10 participants (5 ADHD, 5 non-ADHD) was recruited using the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale V-1.1 (ASRS V-1.1) Screener and a biographical questionnaire. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, whereby EEG recordings of frontal, frontal midline and parietal regions were taken for each participant during resting states (Eyes Closed and Eyes Open) and whilst playing a first person shooter game. Post-test survey questionnaires were also administered to examine the participants’ time perception during game play. Between-group and within-group differences in absolute and relative power scores were examined, using non-parametric statistical methods (Mann-Whitney-U test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test) to analyse the data. Possible markers for hyperfocus were identified, namely significantly lower alpha and beta levels in the ADHD group, as well as a decrease in slow-wave activity over time, as well as post-test survey data that indicated a greater degree of distorted time perception in the ADHD group during game play. Significant between- and within-group differences found in the parietal region highlight the need for further research into the role of the parietal lobe in attention functions and in ADHD. Further, significant changes in cortical activity in the progression from Eyes Closed to Eyes Open in both groups warrant further investigation.

M.A. (Psychology) / The purpose of this study was to determine whether an improvement in the self-efficacy for social situations in children with minimal brain-dysfunction would lead to an improvement in their social behavior. For this purpose a scale was constructed and validated for the assessment of self-efficacy in social situations. Fifty children with minimal brain-dysfunction, selected according to certain criteria, were then divided into an experimental and control group ...

M.A. (Clinical Psychology) / Although Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was once thought to occur exclusively in the course of childhood, remitting in adolescence, it is increasingly accepted as a valid diagnosis in adulthood, with DSM-5 providing diagnostic criteria adapted for adults. Symptoms of ADHD in adulthood can lead to impairment in the occupational and tertiary educational environments among others, and additionally can lead to individual differences in ability to perform certain occupational functions, as well as in the occupations to which an individual may be attracted. Adults with ADHD have been shown to differ significantly in personality from non-ADHD adults. The "goodness of fit" between personality and environment underlies much of the predominant understanding of occupational choice. In addition to impairment in the work environment, a lack of fit may exist between adults with ADHD and many features common to organisations. Despite this, along with acknowledgement of the influence of career choice on various factors, including success, emotional welfare and personal productivity, there is a lack of literature dealing specifically with career counselling in ADHD populations. In order to investigate the differences between adults with and without ADHD in a number of areas commonly assessed for career counselling and guidance purposes, an ADHD screening tool, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was administered to a sample (n=60) of adults with and without ADHD. Participants were then assigned to ADHD and non-ADHD groups on the basis of ASRS scores in conjunction with diagnostic history, and assessed by means of the Self-directed Search Questionnaire (SDS), and the Basic Traits Inventory (BTI). Tests for between-group differences revealed significant differences on a small number of variables with the ADHD group scoring significantly higher on only the Enterprising type of the SDS. On the BTI, the ADHD group scored significantly higher on Extraversion, and significantly lower on Conscientiousness. The ADHD group also scored significantly higher on the Actions, Ideas, and Imagination facets of the BTI's Openness to Experience factor.

Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for elctronic link.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Lehigh University, 2004. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-124).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Marshall University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 39-43).

Thesis (Psy. D.)--Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, Ill., 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-53).

Thesis (M.A.)--Marshall University, 2002. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 48 p. with illustrations. Includes bibliographical references (p. 42-43).