Self-Compassion in University Students With ADHD
A Qualitative Exploration
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15705255 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Glenda M Farmer (0000-0002-4542-7134, The University of Western Australia, corresponding author), Donna M Bayliss (0000-0001-5940-5211, The University of Western Australia), Amy L Finlay-Jones (The University of Western Australia), Jeneva L Ohan (0000-0002-4801-4239, The University of Western Australia) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 344-356 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-16 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Emerging Adulthood (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2167-6968 • E-ISSN: 2167-6984 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/21676968261417727 |
| OpenAlex | W7124432070 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 58 |
This study explored the lived experience of university students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and identified factors that help or hinder their capacity for self-compassion in higher education. Fourteen university students with ADHD aged 18–25 participated in individual semi-structured interviews exploring experiences of self-compassion in academic contexts. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and four themes identified: three barriers and one facilitator. The barriers included students internalising a chronic sense of being “not good enough,” feeling pressure to work harder to compensate for ADHD-related difficulties, and finding self-compassion cognitively difficult to practice. The facilitator was understanding and acceptance of ADHD, from others and themselves, which enabled more self-compassionate responses to setbacks. University students with ADHD face distinct challenges to self-compassion rooted in internalised stigma and executive function differences. Universities should provide ADHD informed psychoeducation and peer support to promote self-acceptance and well-being in emerging adults with ADHD
Facilitator · Feeling · Psychoeducation · Qualitative research · Reflexivity · Sense of community · Stigma (botany · Thematic analysis · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Pain Management and Placebo Effect
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Meeting Suffering With Kindness: Effects of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for Female College Students
The Relationship Between Self‐Compassion and Well‐Being
Self-Compassion and Coping
Exploring compassion
Self-Compassion Interventions and Psychosocial Outcomes
Thematic Analysis
The experiences of adults with ADHD in interpersonal relationships and online communities
Low standards yet disappointed
Self-compassion, Achievement Goals, and Coping with Academic Failure
The Role of Self-Compassion in Goal Pursuit and Well-Being Among University Freshmen
Procrastination and Stress
A qualitative exploration of responses to self-compassion in a non-clinical sample
Self-compassion and reactions to unpleasant self-relevant events
Emerging adulthood
Self-Compassion
The Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Self-Compassion
The structure of common emotion regulation strategies
Behavioral inhibition, sustained attention, and executive functions
| Highly cited | No |
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