title: Youth sport experiences of individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore youth sport experiences of individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were 6 males (mean age=22.7 yr) with ADHD who had played 3 or more seasons in team sports during adolescence. Following interpretive phenomenological analysis methodology, each participant completed 2 semistructured interviews. Findings showed that symptoms of ADHD hampered participants' experiences and led to negative interpersonal and performance-related consequences. On the other hand, participants reported social and stress/energy-release benefits arising from their experiences in sport. Their experiences were therefore complex, and some findings relating to social interactions appeared contradictory (e.g., negative interpersonal experiences vs. social benefits). Supportive coaches, understanding teammates, and personal coping strategies were key factors that enabled participants to realize benefits and, to some degree, mitigate negative consequences associated with their participation in sport.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education & Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Homan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Causgrove Dunn
authors.forename: Nicholas L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Holt
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult