Research

26/09/2022

Open research

Topic: The Empowerment of Woman with ADHD

We would like to invite you to take part in our research project.

Before you decide to do so, it is important you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.

Please ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.

What you would need to do: attend two meetings

• Focus Group (online) on the 7^th October 
• A brief meeting (online) before the focus group (at a day / time convenient to you)

Criteria:  

• Identify as having/being ADHD 
• Aged 18-40 years old
• Speak English well enough to participate in a group discussion 

Please can you contact Dr. Kate Carr Fanning directly about your participation [email protected]

DETAILED PARTICIPANTS INFORMANTS

What is the project’s purpose?

This research project aims to explore women with ADHD and their empowerment in education and employment. This project builds on a growing awareness that the experiences of women with ADHD is different to that of men. For example, symptoms may present differently, women more often go undiagnosed until adulthood / are missed in school, women are more likely to try and succeed at masking their difficulties. In addition, there is growing awareness that we should move away from research and practice that focuses on trying to ‘fix’ deficits, and instead focus on constructing environment (in schools and workplaces) that are inclusive and empowering. We believe that an understanding of how to create these environments this should be done in partnership with women with ADHD.

Why have I been chosen?

You have been chosen because you are a woman with ADHD aged between 18 and 40 years old who lives in Europe. Please know that the research will be carried out in English and so a good understanding and use of the language is needed.

Do I have to take part?

No.

Participation is entirely voluntary. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you do decide to take part you will be able to keep a copy of this information sheet and you should indicate your agreement to the online consent form.

You can still withdraw at any time. You do not have to give a reason.

What will happen to me if I take part and what will I have to do?

There are two stages to the study, you can chose to take part in both, one, or none.

Stage 1) You will be asked to meet with one of our researchers briefly online (approx. 15-20 minutes) and then take part in a focus group:

• Individual meeting: We will find a time that works for you to meet online. We want to know you a little bit (so we will ask you some questions about yourself), explain the project in greater detail, answer any questions you have, and make sure you’re happy to participate.
• Focus group: Planned for the 7^th October 2022. This will last about one hour, it will be online, and there will be 6-8 woman with ADHD in the group.

Stage 2) The findings from the Focus Group will be discussed with a larger group of women with ADHD.

What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?

Participating in the research is not anticipated to cause you any particular disadvantages or discomfort. However, there are always some risks to discussing your experiences, especially if you are discussing experiences that may be upsetting for you from your past. But, please remember you do not need to talk about anything you do not want to, you don’t have to answer any question that makes you uncomfortable, and you can stop participating whenever you like.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

Whilst there are no immediate benefits for those people participating in the project, sometimes people find the experience of sharing lived experience positive. It is also hoped that this work will have benefits in terms of informing professionals and advocating for better practices in education and employment, and the wider public about what works in practice for women with ADHD. This research was requested by ADHD Europe and will inform their advocacy work.

What happens if the research study stops earlier than expected?

Should the research stop earlier than planned and you are affected in any way we will tell you and explain why.

What if something goes wrong?

If you have any complaints about the project in the first instance you can contact any member of the research team. The lead researcher Dr Kate Carr-Fanning can be contacted on [email protected]

If you feel your complaint has not been handled to your satisfaction you can contact the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin to take your complaint further.

Address: School of Education, Room 3087, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland

Email: [email protected]

Will my taking part in this project be kept confidential?

Yes

All the information that we collect about you during the course of the research will be kept strictly confidential. You will not be able to be identified or identifiable in any reports or publications or at the feedback session.

Any data collected about you in the online consent form or within the focus group will be stored online in a form protected by passwords and other relevant security processes and technologies. The focus groups will be audio recorded.

Data collected may be shared in an anonymised form to allow reuse by the research team and other third parties. These anonymised data will not allow any individuals or their institutions to be identified or identifiable.

What will happen to the results of the research project?

Results of the research will be published. You will not be identified in any report or publication. Your institution or organisation will not be identified in any report or publication. If you wish to be given a copy of any reports resulting from the research, please ask us to put you on our circulation list.

Thank you for taking part in this study