A Narrative Analysis of the Construction of ADHD: A Case Study.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Narrative Analysis of the Construction of ADHD: A Case Study
IRAS ID
132350
Contact name
Jeanette Neden
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Tees, Esk, Wear valley NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
The research is being undertaken as part of a masters degree in Family and systemic practice, it needs to be completed by May 2014.
I am interested in the different understandings of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) within our society. For some its understanding can be found within a medical definition and it is classified in both the International Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorder 10th revision (ICD 10) and the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th ed (DSM –iv) as a mental health disorder, with it’s core symptoms being that of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
Taken from a social constructionist theory perspective we could gain a different understanding. Danforth & Narvaro (2008, p.169) explains that ‘Social constructionism typically emphasizes the centrality of language, thought, interaction and culture in the making of human meaning in lived contexts.’ From this position individuals operate through an intersubjective and shared meaning. Social constructionist theory argues that ADHD is not a biological or psychiatric disorder. McNamee & Gergen, (1994) argue that human development cannot be measured by universal standards. Individual circumstances, family situations, changes in environment, the interactions between nature and nurture, further complicated by social forces, all influence human development and behavior.
Social constructionist theory gives the view that these behaviors (hyperactivity, impulsivity, in attention) are normal behaviors within the human race.
For such different thinking in relation to ADHD, the questions arise for me how do the people involved in the child’s ADHD assessment (Young person, parents, health professionals) construct their understanding of ADHD? Are they similar and shared understandings? How is the young person story constructed and heard by others.
This study is in relation to hearing stories around the individuals involved in the diagnostic process understanding of ADHD and to explore if there are shared meanings. I will endeavor not to persuade the participants of the researchers by any views I may uphold but to allow their own understanding and narratives to be explored.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0350
Date of REC Opinion
21 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion