Exploring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder knowledge and perceptions among psychology students of the North-West University

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most diagnosed disorders of child and adult psychiatry. Despite the high prevalence and the availability of several studies conducted on ADHD, the psychology master’s students’ knowledge about the disorder is scant. Psychology master’s students often engage in clinical and research-related work during which the students play an integral part in researching, observing, identifying, assessing, and treating ADHD. Therefore, it is useful to have an understanding of the knowledge and perceptions of these students. For this reason, this study’s aim was to explore psychology master’s students’ perceptions of ADHD to gain an in-depth understanding of their knowledge of the disorder. The study followed a qualitative research approach in which students from the Mafikeng and Potchefstroom campuses of the North-West University, South Africa, were purposely selected to partake in the study. A sample of 13 psychology master’s students were interviewed, guided by a semi-structured interview schedule to collect data. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and useful insights were identified. The results of the study suggest that students had knowledge and understanding of the nature of ADHD together with the inattentive hyperactive/impulsive-related behaviours connected to the disorder. The findings showed that students believed that there are various aetiological agents, including an unhealthy pregnancy, genetics, and trauma. The results also indicated students’ awareness of the process of diagnosis and alluded to the impact of an ADHD diagnosis. Students’ perceptions of treatments showed that they favoured psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy and indicated a need for more knowledge about the treatment of ADHD. The exploration of the experiences of students revealed ambivalent feelings among students, although they were generally open to the experience of working with ADHD

individuals. Since the study was small in nature and focused on psychology master’s students, it is recommended that a nation-wide large-scale study of a quantitative nature with similar focus be conducted to increase literature and awareness of ADHD knowledge in the field of psychology.