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This research aims to understand how university students with ADHD experience self-compassion and the factors that affect it.

January 18, 2026Emerging AdulthoodOpen Access

Self-Compassion in University Students With ADHD: A Qualitative Exploration

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Qualitative exploration reveals factors influencing self-compassion in university students with ADHD, indicating a need for supportive interventions.

This research aims to understand how university students with ADHD experience self-compassion and the factors that affect it.
Conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 14 university students aged 18–25 with ADHD.
Analyzed interview transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis.
Identified barriers and facilitators to self-compassion in academic settings.
Found three main barriers to self-compassion: chronic feelings of inadequacy, pressure to overachieve, and difficulty practicing self-compassion.
Identified understanding and acceptance of ADHD as a key facilitator of self-compassion.
Highlighted the impact of internalised stigma and executive function differences on the ability to be self-compassionate.

Farmer et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Qualitative exploration reveals factors influencing self-compassion in university students with ADHD, indicating a need for supportive interventions.