Date Approved
7-25-2012
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. School Psychology-Professional School Psychology
Department
Special Educational Services/Instruction
College
College of Education
Advisor
Allen, Terri
Subject(s)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; Exercise; College students
Disciplines
Higher Education | Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Abstract
The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between cardio-respiratory exercise levels and the expression of symptoms commonly associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a college population. Previous research suggests physical exercise may reduce common behavioral symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms commonly associated with ADHD include an inability to focus and feelings of restlessness, which may be harmful to a college student's academic success. The present study surveyed the exercise level, symptom expression, and diagnostic history of undergraduate students (N=315) at Rowan University. Exercise frequency and duration were calculated based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008) recommendations for adults. ADHD symptom expression was measured using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-V1.1 Screener (World Health Organization, 2005) and Yes/No questions determined if a subject had ever been diagnosed, medicated, or classified as a result of ADHD. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) evaluated the interaction of exercise level, symptom expression and diagnostic history, with mixed results. The investigator concluded that exercise remains an important clinical target for research into ADHD management.
Recommended Citation
McDaniel, Jessica, "Relationship between exercise and the expression of ADHD symptoms in college students" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 140.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/140
