Occupational identity of adolescents with ADHD: A mixed methods study.
BACKGROUND
Occupational identity (OI) is shaped by occupational experiences over time and has been studied among individuals with a variety of health conditions. Adolescents with ADHD face numerous challenges in their occupational performance that may threaten their OI.


OBJECTIVE
This study sought to compare the occupational identities of adolescents with and without ADHD and to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of OI among adolescents with ADHD.


METHODS
Sixty-four adolescents with (n = 21) and without ADHD (n = 43) were interviewed using the Occupational Performance History Interview (OPHI-II). A mixed methodology was applied, using quantitative and subsequent qualitative content analyses of 10 interviews, with a directed approach.


RESULTS
OPHI-II OI interval scores and 7/11 items of the OI scale were significantly lower in the ADHD group compared to controls. In the qualitative content analyses, three major themes were found: (i) the meaning of success in academic participation, (ii) the consequences of not succeeding in academic participation and (iii) self-explanations for not succeeding in academic participation.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings demonstrate the presence of OI challenges among adolescents with ADHD. Occupational therapy intervention may be needed in order to promote occupational adaptation.
a Faculty of Medicine, School of Occupational Therapy , Hadassah and Hebrew University , Jerusalem , Israel.
Nirit
N
Levanon-Erez
a Faculty of Medicine, School of Occupational Therapy , Hadassah and Hebrew University , Jerusalem , Israel.
Maayan
M
Cohen
a Faculty of Medicine, School of Occupational Therapy , Hadassah and Hebrew University , Jerusalem , Israel.
Ruthie
R
Traub Bar-Ilan
a Faculty of Medicine, School of Occupational Therapy , Hadassah and Hebrew University , Jerusalem , Israel.
Adina
A
Maeir
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D013334:Students
Content analysis; OPHI-II; model of human occupation