A $1 million study funded by The Edge Foundation will be headed by Dr. Sharon Field, professor of administrative and organizational studies at Wayne State.
The nationwide study will focus on the extent of effective coaching for college students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder for the improvement of academic and social behavior.
ADHD, often characterized by a short attention span and sense of impulsiveness over a long period of time, affects 3 to 5 percent of children before the age of seven, and could last throughout adulthood.
Field, who also co-directs the Center for Self-Determination and Transition at WSU’s College of Education, explained that students with ADHD normally find both positive and negative aspects of the disorder.
“In some ways,” she said, “it could be really good. It could lead to increased creativity, high energy, a lot of curiosity; but in other settings where you’re trying to get a term paper done, organizing your time, focusing in class, it can create a barrier.”
The 27-month study will focus on coaching methods that would help college students diagnosed with ADHD in managing their time, studying for exams and writing assignments.
“Many students have reported that the use of a coach, someone that they talk with about once a week to assist them in structuring their studying, has been very helpful,” Field said. “However, the only evidence we have right now that is useful is antec dotal evidence.”
Field pointed out that on a smaller scale, many students found coaching helpful in achieving collegiate success. However, that conclusion hasn’t gone through rigorous testing. Thus, the Edge Foundation asked Field and her team to conduct the study.
At press time, a pilot study had already started at Washington University-St. Louis and will run through May. The larger field study will take place during the 2009-2010 school year.
Field also said there is a possibility of a follow-up period once the initial study is completed in August 2010.
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