An Empirical Evaluation of ADHD Coaching in College Students

J Atten Disord. 2015 Aug;19(8):666-77. doi: 10.1177/1087054713480036. Epub 2013 Mar 18.

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated a program for ADHD coaching in a sample of college students.

Method: ADHD coaching was conducted with 148 college students over a 5-year period. The theoretical orientation combined cognitive-behavioral therapy with psychoeducational techniques. Executive functioning served as a way of viewing both initial problem areas and outcomes.

Results: Clients who received an 8-week coaching program showed significant improvement in all 10 areas of study and learning strategies, on self-esteem, and on measures of symptom distress and satisfaction with school and work. These results were consistent across different semesters and time of semester, and with a variety of different coaches, all of whom were novice coaches.

Conclusion: This study provides important preliminary information about ADHD coaching, including coaching structure, processes, efficacy, and correlates of positive outcomes. Additional evaluations utilizing a randomized controlled design are needed.

Keywords: ADHD; coaching; college students.

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Executive Function
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Self Concept*
  • Students / psychology*