Parent and Family Processes Related to ADHD Management in Ethnically Diverse Youth

Abstract

Background: Previous research has shown major disparities in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for diverse youth across America. We do not fully understand, however, how parent and family processes are related to the identification, care-seeking approaches, treatment preferences, and engagement with care systems and services for youth with ADHD.

Objectives: The present study aimed to explore parent and family processes related to the management of ADHD in racially and ethnically diverse youth.

Design: This integrative review was structured with the methodology proposed by Whittemore and Knafl.

Results: Three major electronic databases yielded a final sample of 32 articles (24 quantitative, 6 qualitative, and 2 mixed methods). Nine themes emerged within three overarching meta-themes.

Conclusions: Understanding the unique perspectives of families from diverse backgrounds is essential for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers, who are dedicated to understanding racial and ethnic perspectives and developing ecologically appropriate and family-based interventions for youth with ADHD.

Keywords: ADHD; disparities; families; integrative review; youth.

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1

Social ecological framework adapted for youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Figure 2

Flow chart of article selection criteria.

Figure 3

How thematic categories cluster into three overarching meta-themes.