Graduate Program
Clinical Psychology
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
2011
Thesis Director
Assege HaileMariam
Thesis Committee Member
Wesley Allan
Thesis Committee Member
Anu Sharma
Abstract
A survey study, usmg a convenience sample, was conducted to assess relationships between adult perceptions of childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and treatment acceptability. Trends in perceptions about ADHD were also examined among African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanics. Ninety (90) participants completed questionnaires developed by the authors that evaluated beliefs about the etiology of ADHD, sources of information used to learn about ADHD, perceptions of stigma associated with ADHD, trust in the system, and attitudes about treatments. Participants overwhelmingly expressed a neutral perspective regarding ADHD-related perceptions. However, beliefs about etiology, endorsement of nonprofessional information sources, and trust in the system predicted treatment acceptability. Future research is needed with larger samples and more culturally sensitive assessment measures to further explore the relationships between information sources, trust in the system, and treatment acceptability to assist with the development of ADHD treatment approaches individualized to the unique needs of ethnic minority populations.
Recommended Citation
Girresch, Sarah, "Perceptions of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and treatment acceptability: Cultural trends" (2011). Masters Theses. 626.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/626
