College during COVID-19: The pandemic’s effect on college adjustment in first year students with ADHD

Ashley Schiros, Yvette Rother, Erik G. Wilcutt, Kate H. Flory, Will H. Canu, Anne Stevens, Kevin M. Antshel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: The current study aims to compare college adjustment and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on first-year students with and without ADHD. Participants: Two cohorts (pre-pandemic, during the pandemic) of first-year, undergraduate college students (N = 3,006; Mage=18.32) were recruited from a multisite research consortium across several universities. Methods: First-year participants self-reported on ADHD diagnosis and symptoms, functional impairments, and experiences transitioning to college. Results: First-year college students with and without ADHD reported significantly greater academic, daily living, and overall functional impairments during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Compared to college students without ADHD, college students with ADHD reported greater functional impairment, more difficulty adjusting to the academic demands of college, and were less likely to feel valued at their institution. Conclusions: First-year college students with and without ADHD experienced greater difficulties navigating the transition to college during the pandemic. Psychosocial and academic supports to help students transition to college are needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of American College Health
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • academic
  • ADHD
  • college adjustment
  • COVID-19
  • functional impairment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'College during COVID-19: The pandemic’s effect on college adjustment in first year students with ADHD'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this