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Self-pathologizing, self-condemning, self-liberating: Youths' accounts of their ADHD-related behavior

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  • Honkasilta, Juho
  • Vehmas, Simo
  • Vehkakoski, Tanja

Abstract

This study analyzes the discursive construction of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and self in relation to a socioculturally shared understanding of moral norms. Thirteen Finnish youth aged 11 to 16 diagnosed with ADHD were interviewed during this discourse analysis study. The youth accounted for their culturally undesirable behavior, performance and traits through three different types of accounts: (1) externalizing personal responsibility due to a compelling medical condition, (2) internalizing personal responsibility through moral self-condemnation, and (3) distancing oneself from the socially imposed stereotypes and stigmas related to ADHD. This study challenges dominant understanding of young people with a diagnosis of ADHD and contributes to our understanding of how ADHD is constructed in their lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Honkasilta, Juho & Vehmas, Simo & Vehkakoski, Tanja, 2016. "Self-pathologizing, self-condemning, self-liberating: Youths' accounts of their ADHD-related behavior," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 248-255.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:150:y:2016:i:c:p:248-255
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.12.030
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Singh, Ilina, 2011. "A disorder of anger and aggression: Children's perspectives on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the UK," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(6), pages 889-896, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. O'Connor, Cliodhna & Kadianaki, Irini & Maunder, Kristen & McNicholas, Fiona, 2018. "How does psychiatric diagnosis affect young people's self-concept and social identity? A systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 94-119.

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