Exploring pathways to resilience and well-being for young adults with/without ADHD in higher education

Abstract

This study aimed to explore resilience and well-being in emerging adults with ADHD attending university. Specifically, this study investigated the role of three protective factors (sense of coherence–SOC, hedonia/eudaimonia motives) in understanding adaptation to postsecondary settings and well-being measures among undergraduate students with versus without ADHD. Participants comprised 82 undergraduates (50 females, 32 males) ages 23–34 years (M = 27.60, SD = 4.80) in two groups: 32 with formally diagnosed ADHD and 50 without ADHD or other disabilities. Five self-report measures assessed students’: ADHD, SOC, hedonia/eudaimonia motives, adaptation to university, and psychological well-being. MANOVAs yielded significant group differences on students’ SOC and most adaptation and well-being measures. Regression analyses revealed significant risk posed by ADHD and protection offered by SOC and partially by hedonia/eudaimonia motives–for explaining students’ resilience/well-being. Discussion focused on these factors’ unique protective/risk value for explaining adaptive functioning in youngsters with/without ADHD attending higher education.