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    A critical examination of the evidence for effective reasonable adjustments for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the workplace

    Lauder, Kirsty May (2021) A critical examination of the evidence for effective reasonable adjustments for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the workplace. PhD thesis, Birkbeck, University of London.

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    Abstract

    The thesis adopts a critical realist paradigm using mixed methods to scrutinise available evidence of effective reasonable adjustments for adults with ADHD (ADHDers). It makes an empirical contribution to research by examining the efficacy of adjustments. The first four studies synthesised and aggregated the available evidence. A rapid evidence assessment of 12 measures of adult ADHD and a systematic review of 161 studies of interventions revealed a gap in research evidence for work-related support and understanding of ADHD. Most research examining support for ADHD is pharmacological, adopting the medical model of disability. The evidence was then evaluated through a meta-analysis of 12 studies to investigate the effectiveness of the support on work-related outcomes. Findings indicated a small positive effect. Once the research evidence was fully mapped, evidence from practice was compared to research. A template analysis of workplace online advice reflected the practical guidance and placed managers in a central role of support for ADHDers. Findings from these four studies highlighted the need for an adjustment that adopted a social model approach, targeting those around the individual. Therefore, an e-learning programme was administered to 62 managers/HR professionals (crucial gatekeepers in the adjustment decision-making process), 37 in experimental group and 25 in the control group, using a random-control design. The e-learning programme increased knowledge of reasonable adjustments and ADHD while improving overall granting. Consequently, heightened awareness resulting from the programme transferred to other disabilities. Stereotypical comments reduced in the experimental group, and participants were better able to justify why the adjustment would be beneficial. The present thesis contributes to the underdeveloped psychological theory related to adjustments and provides preliminary evidence that educating gatekeepers can increase awareness and improve decision-making regarding adjustments. Implications for research and practice are discussed for a more inclusive workplace for ADHDers.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Thesis
    Copyright Holders: The copyright of this thesis rests with the author, who asserts his/her right to be known as such according to the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. No dealing with the thesis contrary to the copyright or moral rights of the author is permitted.
    Depositing User: Acquisitions And Metadata
    Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2021 09:58
    Last Modified: 29 Jun 2024 11:39
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/46080
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.18743/PUB.00046080

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