KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Journal of Assessment and Research in Applied Counseling (JARAC) 7 Serial Number 26 2025 09 01 Exploring Motivational Structures Underlying Persistence in Individuals With ADHD Exploring Motivational Structures Underlying Persistence in Individuals With ADHD 1 9 10.61838/kman.jarac.7.3.20 EN Journal Article 2025 06 09 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><strong>Objective:</strong> This study aimed to explore the underlying motivational structures that enable individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to sustain persistence and long-term goal engagement despite attentional and emotional challenges.</p> <p><strong>Methods and Materials: </strong>A qualitative research design was employed to capture the lived experiences of adults and emerging adults with ADHD. Using purposive sampling, 25 participants (14 males, 11 females; aged 18–40) with a formal ADHD diagnosis were recruited from support groups, mental health clinics, and online communities in Thailand. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews lasting 60–90 minutes. The interviews explored personal definitions of persistence, self-regulatory strategies, emotional experiences, and the role of social and cultural contexts. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 14 software. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached.</p> <p><strong>Findings: </strong>Analysis revealed three overarching motivational themes: internal drive and self-regulation, external structure and social anchoring, and adaptive coping and resilience-building. Internal processes such as self-determination, emotional self-monitoring, cognitive reframing, and future-oriented thinking enabled participants to stay engaged despite executive function challenges. External supports—including family and peer encouragement, structured environments, feedback from mentors, and cultural values—served as anchoring forces. Adaptive coping strategies, including breaking tasks into smaller steps, using mindfulness and body regulation, and creatively channeling reward sensitivity, further reinforced persistence. These interwoven systems formed a dynamic motivational architecture that participants developed to sustain long-term efforts.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Persistence in ADHD emerges from a complex interaction of personal agency, cultural and social scaffolds, and adaptive resilience strategies. Understanding these motivational systems can inform culturally sensitive interventions that strengthen self-regulation, leverage social support, and empower individuals with ADHD beyond symptom control.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/jarac/article/download/4534/8312