Executive Functions and Career Meta-Capacity in Students with and without Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

According to the adaptive characteristics of executive functions, the present study aimed to investigate and compare the relationship between executive functions with career adaptability and employability in students with and without attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder.

The present study is a correlational study. Among students studying at Bojnourd University in the academic years 2019 to 2021,138 students with ADHD and 229 students without ADHD were selected by the available sampling method. To collect research data, Barkely’s ADHD rating scale for adults, Barkely’s deficit in executive functions scale, diagnostic interview form for ADHD for adults, Savikas’ career adaptability and Self-Perceived Employability/ ambition Scale were used. Data were analyzed by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients, comparing these relationships, and calculating the effect size of these coefficients in the two groups using SPSS18 software.

The results showed that in the both group of students with and without ADHD, there was a significant negative relationship between deficit in executive functions with career adaptability and employability - except self-control in student without ADHD. Also, the comparison of correlation coefficients in the two groups, showed that all correlations in the group of students with ADHD are statistically stronger than the group of students without ADHD -except emotion self-regulation-. Self-control made the biggest difference between the two variables in the two groups, followed by time management, problem-solving, self-motivation, and emotion self-regulation.

Higher levels of executive dysfunction in adults with ADHD have a greater impact on their occupational functions.