Date of Award
Spring 5-16-2025
Document Type
Project (696 or 796 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Counseling
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Jessica A. Brown
Keywords
ADHD, college students, group counseling, ACT, self-compassion
Abstract
Several studies highlight the challenges faced by students with ADHD in a college setting (Bodalski, Abu-Ramadan, et al., 2023; Bodalski, Flory, et al., 2023; DuPaul et al., 2009, Mak et al., 2022; Nelson et al., 2015; Swartz et al., 2005; Willoughby & Evans, 2019). With less structure and more demands than high school, students with ADHD often struggle with self-regulation, executive functioning, self-worth, and social relationships in college. This paper addresses these concerns by creating a group therapy program for college students with ADHD. Highlighting common treatments for ADHD, this group is based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to emphasize mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion while also using strategies from coaching and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). There is no one way to experience ADHD traits and because most research focuses on white, male children, considerations must be made to ensure all populations are included in assessment and treatment. Since students with ADHD present with traits that may not be supported by traditional college settings, considerations are also discussed regarding how to tailor the group to support these students’ unique needs. This project concludes with a group manual that outlines how to implement an ACT group for college students with ADHD.
Keywords: ADHD, college students, group counseling, ACT, self-compassion
Recommended Citation
Erickson, Kathryn E., "Hyperfocused on Growth: An ACT group manual for college students with ADHD" (2025). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1031.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1031