Testing the Relation of ADHD and Hyperfocus with a Preliminary Self-report Hyperfocus Measure

Snoeren, Emma (2022) Testing the Relation of ADHD and Hyperfocus with a Preliminary Self-report Hyperfocus Measure. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

The relationship between hyperfocus and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is explored. Hyperfocus is a state of increased focus that is more automatic, prolonged, narrow and deep than regular focus, leading to reduced awareness of the world, time and self, and impairments in stopping and initiating other tasks. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Previous research has found positive correlations between ADHD and hyperfocus experiences. The associations between 8 core hyperfocus dimensions and ADHD are measured using the Core Hyperfocus Questionnaire (CHQ) and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS-S), with an expectation of positive correlations for all core dimensions. Additional measures for demographic characteristics (age, sex and education level) are included in the online questionnaire administered to participants (N = 322) from a convenience sample consisting predominantly of first-year Psychology Bachelor students from Groningen. The only positive significant correlation was identified between ADHD and ‘awareness of the self’ (τ = .092, p < .05), with negative correlations found for ‘automatic focus’ (τ = -.354, p < .01) and ‘prolonged concentration’ (τ = -.090, p < .05), and nonsignificant correlations for the other core dimensions and for demographic characteristics. The incongruence with prior research indicates that further research is needed to explore hyperfocus based on core dimensions, as well as their relationship with ADHD and demographic characteristics. Only through further validation can reliable conclusions be drawn regarding the validity of the CHQ and the definition of hyperfocus according to the 8 proposed core dimensions.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Garcia Pimenta, M.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	10 Apr 2024 09:19
Last Modified:	10 Apr 2024 09:19
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/700

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