Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Thesis

Abstract

Despite years of research focused on impairment, it is possible that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be beneficial in some ways. Past studies have analyzed ADHD’s potential benefits to creativity and entrepreneurship, but the majority have either been underpowered or have had mixed results. In an attempt to add clarity to these potential ADHD-related strengths, the present study explored the relation between symptoms of ADHD, creative achievement, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). The current study was a survey of emerging adult college students from multiple U.S. universities. The purpose of this study was to explore relations between symptoms of ADHD and creative achievement/ESE. Hypothesis testing indicated that hyperactive/impulsive (HI) symptoms are positively correlated with creative achievement, and inattentive (IA) symptoms are negatively correlated to creative achievement and ESE. In addition, the relation between HI and creative achievement is moderated by impairment after controlling for depression and anxiety. A discussion of the implications of this research includes guiding individuals with HI symptoms in creative endeavors, and a consideration of why ADHD may not be beneficial towards succeeding in entrepreneurial endeavors.

Year of Submission

2025

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Psychology

First Advisor

Adam Butler

Date Original

2025

Object Description

1 PDF file (vii, 92 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Download

Comments?

Share

COinS