Self-concept in the ADHD and non-ADHD adolescents: a comparative study

In this study the researcher explored whether there is a statistically significant difference between a group of ADHD adolescents and a group of their adolescent peers on a measure of self-concept. The adolescent peer group (n=30) was sourced from a mainstream high school, and the ADHD individuals (n= 41) from a special education school. A biographical questionnaire and the Adolescent Self-Concept Scale (ASCS) Questionnaire (Vrey & Venter, 1983) were administered. The results evidenced two significant differences between the adolescent ADHD group and their peer group for the Family-Self Acceptance self-concept and the Moral-Ethical self-concept. There was no significant difference between the two groups pertaining to Total Self-Concept. The outcome of this study is in contradiction to previous research findings that indicate a trend towards adolescents with ADHD to experience more negative self-concepts than their adolescent counterparts. Implications of this study may impact on the proposed Policy of Inclusion regarding the South African education system. The findings are discussed and the limitations of the study proposed. Recommendations for future research are made, followed by a conclusion.Dr. A. Burk