A Comparison of Executive Functions and Academic Help-Seeking in Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Normal Students

Abstract

Background and Aim:  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral problem in children worldwide and affects the lives of patients, parents, and society. The main feature of this disorder is a stable attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and impulsivity model in people who have more frequent and severe symptoms compared to people who are at the same level of growth. The present study aimed to determine the difference between executive functions and help-seeking in students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and normal students. Methods:  The present study was a descriptive and causal-comparative study and its statistical population consisted of all students (girls and boys) in the fourth to sixth grades of the elementary school in Yasuj in the academic year 2019-2020. Among the statistical population, 50 normal students were selected using the multistage cluster sampling method, and 50 students were selected with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder using the purposive method. Data were collected using the academic help-seeking scale by Ryan and Pintrich (1997), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) (2000). After collecting and extracting data, participants' scores were analyzed using analysis of variance (univariate and multivariate). Results:   The results of multivariate analysis of variance indicated that there was a significant difference between executive functions and academic help-seeking in students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and normal students. The results also indicated that there was a significant difference between the two groups of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and normal students in terms of components of executive functions (behavior regulation, metacognition), and components of academic help-seeking (accepting help and avoiding help-seeking). Conclusion:  Children who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have more executive dysfunctions than normal children and benefit from help-seeking behaviors to solve fewer problems. Therefore, it is necessary to consider psychological interventions and training to improve and solve the problems of these students.