Self-esteem : the experience of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) adolescents

Abstract

This study examines the levels of self-esteem of 10 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Grade 8 adolescents. It researches, through an examination of the existing literature and the means of statistical analyses, the relationship among levels of self-esteem and student experiences of ADHD. Two sample sizes were used. N1 (10) is the total size of the sample. These 10 adolescents' scores were used to calculate the mean, scores, and variance. N2 (8) represents the adolescents whose results were used to calculate the scores for the total score and the six clusters. The results of N1 and N2 are compared to the normative population provided by Piers (1984) of N = 485. Even though the terms self­ esteem and self-concept are used interchangeably throughout this paper, the focus of the researcher is to determine levels of self-esteem because self-concept is too broad in scope for the purposes of this research study. Levels of self-esteem are determined by using the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (Piers). The scale is referred to as the Piers­ Harris in this study. Six aspects of self-esteem were studied through six cluster scores: behaviour, intellectual and school status, physical appearance and attributes, anxiety, popularity, and happiness and satisfaction. The hypotheses formulated by this researcher, inextricably linking ADHD and self-esteem, are supported by the research results. Taking into account the implication of small sample sizes and recognizing the robust nature of the tests used, this research demonstrates the relationship between ADHD and self-esteem.