Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Laura E. Knouse

Abstract

Implicit theories of self-regulation were examined among adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in order to determine whether mindsets about self- regulation affect goal-attainment in the context of a self-regulation disorder. We conducted two studies in an effort to develop a deeper understanding of goal-related impairment among adults with ADHD. Study 1 was an exploratory study wherein we investigated general correlations between implicit theories of self-regulation, avoidance, negative emotions, and functional impairment in a community sample of adults with ADHD. Study 2 examined the incremental validity of implicit theories. In Study 2 we also examined whether implicit theories of self- regulation predicted emotions and coping responses following a self-regulation failure, and if implicit theories of self-regulation operate differently for people with ADHD. Our findings show that growth theories of self-regulation may matter even more in the context of a self-regulation disorder and support the consideration of an implicit theories approach within current therapeutic models for adult ADHD.

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