Peer relationships in young people with ADHD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Peer relationships in young people with ADHD, an exploratory study.
IRAS ID
319084
Contact name
Abigail Martin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 5 days
Research summary
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder categorised by a mix of characteristics which present as inattention and/or hyperactivity. The average age of diagnosis is 5-8 years old and it affects between 3% and 7% of school-age children (Visser, 2014). Due to the nature of this diagnosis, ADHD can lead to significant issues with social functioning. Previous research has found significant evidence that children with ADHD struggle to thrive in social relationships, and often have fewer friends, poor-quality relationships and increased peer victimisation than typically developing children. As relationships are such an integral part of healthy development, it is important for research to understand the mechanisms behind this and pave the way for successful interventions to ameliorate the impact of poor social relationships.
Current research has used mainly quantitative techniques to understand this phenomenon, meaning there has been little scope for young people with a diagnosis of ADHD to shape the design of studies. This project seeks to interview adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 about their experiences of friendships and relationships with others their own age. These interviews will be analysed and written up as a thesis project. This research will try to be objective and not carry any biases or preconceptions into this project.
Qualitative research, specifically the method used (IPA) allows for a more detailed picture of what is going on for the people participating. This research will be conducted anonymously and so participants cannot be identified. Once the research has been interpreted, the participants will be able to look over the results to see if they agree that it is representative of their experience. This study will give adolescents with ADHD an opportunity to shape the results of the research and have a voice within the literature.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0203
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion