Date Presented 03/22/24
This correlational study examined the relationship among attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), internalized stigma, social support, work quality of life, and masking among women in the workforce. Results show significant correlations that contribute to new approaches in OT.
Primary Author and Speaker: Yan-hua Huang
Additional Authors and Speakers: Rebekah Boning, Amber Schwartz, Nicole Stephanie Pantaleon, Julie Schustack, Armen Saryan
PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship among perceived social support, internalized stigma, work-related quality of life, and masking of ADHD behaviors in women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
DESIGN: This study used a correlational survey design. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling via professional and social networks. Eligible participants had a diagnosis of ADHD, identified as a woman, were over 18 years of age, lived in the United States, and were currently working.
METHOD: The quantitative study included three standardized surveys (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; Work-Related Quality of Life Scale; and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale), demographic data, and six ADHD masking questions.
RESULTS: 174 adult women with ADHD met the eligibility criteria and completed the survey. There was a statistically significant moderate negative relationship between social support and internalized stigma (r = -.42, p < .01). There was a statistically significant positive moderate relationship between masking ADHD behaviors and internalized stigma (r = .41, p < .01). There was a statistically significant low positive relationship between social support and work-related quality of life (r = .33, p < .01). There was a statistically significant low negative relationship found between work-related quality of life with internalized stigma and masking ADHD behaviors, respectively (r = -.33, r = -.35, p < .01).
CONCLUSION: Increased work-related quality of life was associated with less stigma, higher social support, and less masking behaviors. This highlights the importance of creating supportive work and social environments.
IMPACT: Currently, there is limited research and OT guidelines for women with ADHD. This study contributes to the emerging research utilizing neurodiversity-affirming approaches in occupational therapy for women with ADHD in the workforce.
References
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Masuch, T. V., Bea, M., Alm, B., Deibler, P., & Sobanski, E. (2019). Internalized stigma, anticipated discrimination and perceived public stigma in adults with ADHD. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 11(2), 211–220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-018-0274-9
Nakai, T., Tsuji, T., Tsuda, H., Sotodate, T., Namba, Y., Uenishi, T., Iwasaki, K., Kokubo, K., & Tomita, H. (2022). Working conditions, work productivity, quality of life, and depressive symptoms in undiagnosed adults with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 18, 1561–1572. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S358085
