Coelho, Sofia (2022) Hyperfocus: Questionnaire Development and Associations with ADHD. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Hyperfocus is a cognitive phenomenon in which an individual effortlessly concentrates on a task for a prolonged period of time whilst having a reduction in perception of surroundings, time and interoceptive needs. This paper looked to refine the definition of hyperfocus as well as explore its dimensionality by developing a questionnaire. Moreover, it also aimed to understand how ADHD relates to hyperfocus. To do this, 322 participants, mostly students from the University of Groningen, answered an initial item pool consisting of 46 items as well as an ADHD risk screener. An exploratory factor analysis identified five highly reliable dimensions of hyperfocus (Automatic Focus, Reduced Awareness, Time Distortion, Self-neglect, and Stopping and Initiating Things). Furthermore, a hierarchical regression looked to understand how these dimensions related to ADHD risk. Higher levels of ADHD risk were associated with higher levels of Reduced Awareness and Self-neglect as well as lower levels of Automatic Focus. No association was found between ADHD symptoms and Time Distortion or Stopping and Initiating Things. This paper has added onto previous literature of hyperfocus by refining its definition, supporting its multidimensionality, and supporting partial clinical utility in ADHD (some dimensions of hyperfocus may be related to ADHD risk). Further research should continue the development of this measure by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis, removing items that were not found to load on the factors and potentially rewriting items. Lastly, this questionnaire should be provided to clinical ADHD populations.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Garcia Pimenta, M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Nov 2023 13:02 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Nov 2023 13:02 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2940 |
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