Does your child have ADHD?

Learn more about a new study aiming to reduce parental stress and promote a positive ripple effect in the family. We are seeking parents of children between 5 and 18 years old with suspected or diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to participate.

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You are invited to participate...

Thank you for your interest in learning more about a doctoral student research study examining the influence of Positive Psychology Self-Coaching as a holistic approach to increasing well-being in parents who have children with characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

If, after reading the criteria, process, and time commitment in the Participation Information Sheet, you wish to participate, please Register Your Interest here.

DOWNLOAD THE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET

All those who consent to participate in the study will receive FREE unconditional access to ‘The ADHD Parenting Toolkit’.

Please read the study information carefully. Understanding the purpose of this research, the time commitment, and what it will involve will help you decide whether to take part.

Why is this study important?

Children with ADHD can be highly sensitive to their environment and unconsciously take on the emotions of those around them, shaping their mood, energy, and ability to self-regulate. When facing challenges amplified by societal expectations, learning differences, or environmental demands, they often look to others for emotional cues to help navigate their experiences.

If a child is frequently frustrated, upset, or dysregulated, studies show this can, in turn, affect their parent's well-being. Parents of neurodivergent children experience three times more stress than their peers, and when overwhelmed, ADHD symptoms in children can intensify, creating a cycle where both parent and child struggle. Research highlights how parents' stress, emotions, and self-beliefs directly influence their children, yet support systems rarely prioritise the well-being of parents themselves.

While many studies, therapies, and clinical interventions focus on managing ADHD-related challenges in children, this research redirects the focus, testing whether self-coaching techniques rooted in positive psychology can help parents reduce stress, increase self-kindness and recognise their power of influence.

How ADHD affects families

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference that can influence a child’s focus, self-control, and emotional regulation. For families, this can mean navigating unpredictable energy levels, impulsivity, and intense emotions, which can add complexity to daily routines and relationships. Parents of children with ADHD often face heightened stress due to the additional demands of supporting their child's needs, managing routines, and helping them navigate a world that isn’t always designed for neurodivergent minds.

Family stress can create reinforcing cycles, where frustration, misunderstandings, and emotional exhaustion impact both parent and child. However, emerging evidence suggests that when parents prioritise their well-being, reconnect with their purpose, and practice self-kindness, they create a more supportive and regulated environment, so they can embrace the unique strengths ADHD can bring.

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology is the science of helping people thrive. Instead of focusing only on problems, it looks at strengths, well-being, and what’s working well in life. In parenting, this means helping parents develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional balance so they can handle challenges with more confidence and less stress.

Focusing on 'what's strong' rather than just 'what's wrong' can help parents improve their well-being, build stronger relationships, and feel more in control. Research shows that when parents are kinder to themselves and manage stress in a healthy way, they create a more positive environment for their children, too. Positive psychology offers practical tools to help parents feel more resilient, balanced, and able to enjoy parenting, even when things get tough.

What will happen in the study?

This study will examine the effectiveness of self-coaching using positive psychology interventions to reduce stress and increase the well-being of those raising children with ADHD. The research will focus on enhancing two areas that previous research suggests are key for positive parent and child outcomes: ‘Self-concept clarity,’ which is a clear and confident understanding of who you are and what you value, and ‘Self-kindness,’ which involves treating yourself with compassion, particularly during difficult times.

This is a randomised control trial, commencing in Spring 2025, with three groups, meaning that one group will not practically do any of the exercises during the study period, but they will have full access to all the study resources at the end of the research period in June 2025. Parents in the two active groups will participate in weekly exercises using positive psychology strategies to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and develop a positive self-view, to support their children. The weekly activities involve online workshops, brief exercises, and self-reflection activities designed to fit around daily routines.

All participants, even those in the non-active groups will be required to complete three questionnaires over the study period. At the end of the study in late May, some parents from the active groups will also be invited to attend a focus group to share their experiences engaging in the activities.

While all those who register to participate are encouraged to complete the tasks and activities to the best of their ability, you have the right to withdraw at any time without reason. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and while there is no monetary compensation for getting involved, all participants will receive FREE unconditional access to ‘The ADHD Parenting Toolkit,’ a compilation of online video resources and step-by-step guides for managing challenging behaviours, improving communication, and positively nurturing your child’s developing mind.

Who is eligible to participate in this research?

You are eligible to participate in this study if you meet the following criteria:

Parent of a Child with ADHD: You are the parent of a child aged 5-18 with suspected or diagnosed ADHD. Parents may be Mothers or Fathers (biological or non-biological), from any parent group, including single parents, conjugal families, same-sex families, adoptive parents or step-families.
Diverse Backgrounds Encouraged: Parents from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Internet Access: As this research will be conducted online, reliable and strong WIFI is essential.
Language Proficiency: All workshops and resources will be provided in English. Therefore, participants should feel confident speaking English and have a good level of comprehension and proficiency in the English language.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the activity, we are currently unable to accept any individuals who...

Are experiencing any diagnosed long-term mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or similar conditions, that require ongoing treatment or prescribed medication.
Have participated in any professional counselling or therapy in the last three months, targeting mental wellbeing.
Have previously worked with or have a connection to the researcher.

While we appreciate that parents who are on medication or engaging in professional support may be ideal candidates for this project, we have an ethical obligation not to interfere with or contradict existing treatments. Parents' safety is of the utmost priority. Please use the contact form below if you have any questions.

What will happen if I take part?

If you decide to participate, you will complete three questionnaires 3-4 weeks apart. After the first questionnaire, you will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

Group A will participate in a self-administered coaching programme, involving six 30-minute weekly workshops, to learn simple activities to practice for 10 minutes every day. A one-week break is included after the first three sessions to complete the second questionnaire.
Group B will participate in the same activities and timeline as Group A, with additional weekly online support groups (30-45 minutes) where participants can ask questions and discuss their experiences. This social element will assess whether the group connection impacts the interventions.
Group C is a Waitlist Control Group. This means they have no self-coaching activities during the study period. However, they will complete all three questionnaires and will get access to the activities and resources two weeks after completing the final questionnaire.

A selection of participants from Groups A and B will be invited to join an optional 60-90-minute Focus Group to share their experiences after completing the third questionnaire.

When will the study take place?

All activities will take place from March to early June 2025 inclusive. The window for all participants to complete the questionnaires is as follows:

Questionnaire 1: from 7 – 23 March 2025
Questionnaire 2: from 21 – 28 April 2025
Questionnaire 3: from 19 – 26 May 2025

Groups A and B commence activity on Monday, 31 March, attending one of two time options (11am or 7pm—UTC). All participants are expected to attend live online workshops. Recordings will be available for 48 hours following the live workshop in the case of an unexpected event that prevents you from attending.

After completing the final questionnaire, some individuals may be invited to join an optional online Focus Group meeting for 60-90 minutes during the weeks commencing 26 May and 2 June.

Group C will have full access to the programme recordings and resources, including the step-by-step guided activities from the week commencing 2 June.

"Don't worry that children never listen to you: worry that they are always watching you."

- ROBERT FULGHUM

The Study Timeline

Click on the schedule to download a copy

What are the possible benefits of taking part? Are there any incentives?

Participants may develop their self-knowledge through reflection and understanding of how and why they respond the way they do in challenging or worrying parenting situations. They will also have an opportunity to self-apply several evidence-based positive psychology interventions, which have been shown to increase self-awareness, heighten positive emotions, reduce stress, and enhance well-being.

In addition, all participants who sign up to participate in the study will receive free access to ‘The ADHD Parenting Toolkit,’ a compilation of online video resources and step-by-step guides for managing challenging behaviours, improving communication, and positively nurturing your child’s developing mind.

All participants will receive the link to these unconditional positive resources for parents at the end of the study on 9 June.

What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?

Participation involves a contribution of your time and attention. The activities have the positive aim of benefiting parents of children with ADHD. However, due to the exploration of personal experiences and self-reflections on parenting, self-care, and values, there may be a small risk of evoking unwanted emotional thoughts.

A weekly support group will be available as part of Group B’s activity, but the researcher will be available for ANY participant in case any questions arise during the study period.

If additional support is needed, parents can contact their GP, MD, mental health practitioner, or other support services, including, MIND Parents Information Service: 0808 802 5544 (mind.org.uk/), Eurochild (eurochild.org), Action for Children (parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/chat), Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org), and National Institute of Mental Health (nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help).

“Emotions are contagious. You can infect someone with your smile. Simply being happy triggers mirror neurons in the brains of people around you, causing them to feel happier too.”

- DR DAVID R HAMILTON

How do I take part?

Register your interest before 26 March by clicking on this link or the button. You will be taken to a page, where you will be asked a few short questions to ensure your suitability to join the research. If you are eligible, you will be asked to provide your contact details, and you will be forwarded an email containing links to the formal consent form and privacy notice outlining how your data will be collected, used and stored.

Once you have read and agreed to participate, you will receive a link to the first questionnaire to complete between 7 - 26 March. All participants who join the study will be notified which group they are allocated to by 27 March. Groups A and B will commence the practical activities on 31 March.

Should you have any questions regarding any part of the research or consent form, please email the researcher, Zeena Hicks, in the contact form below, who can organise a call to discuss this with you.

Have Questions? Learn more on Zoom!

Join one of three Zoom calls to learn more about this study, the commitment involved, and the potential benefits of participating. To join the sessions, click on the preferred date below:

Wednesday 12 March at 12.30pm (UTC)

Saturday 15 March at 10.00am (UTC)

Tuesday 18 March at 7.30pm (UTC)

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Do I have to take part?

It is up to you to decide if you wish to take part in this research. To learn more, please read the Participant Information Sheet. The information you share is confidential and anonymous and will only be used for research purposes. If you do decide to take part, you are free to withdraw at any time during the study period, without giving a reason. Any data collected from you can be withdrawn up to the point of analysis on 7 June 2025.

Will what I say in this study be kept confidential?

All information collected about the individual will be kept strictly confidential (subject to legal limitations). Confidentiality, privacy and anonymity will be ensured in the analysis, storage and publication of research material as outlined in the Privacy Notice. All names will be transformed into anonymised unique IDs, following Questionnaire 1, before random allocation to the groups.

All efforts will be made to protect anonymity during the online workshops, and support groups. No names will be visible during the weekly sessions, and the support groups are not recorded. Due to the focus groups being audio-recorded any identifiable data will be removed from the recording transcript, and matched to participants' unique IDs before analysis. Participants’ comments or quotes will be attached to pseudonyms to ensure utmost privacy and anonymity in any publications of this research project.

How will my data be processed and stored?

Data generated by this study may be processed using third-party controllers. The Research Privacy Notice provides a full outline of how your data will be processed and used. All data will be securely stored in encrypted and password-protected devices and locations. Anonymised data generated during the study will be kept securely in paper and electronic form for ten years after the completion of a research project.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

The research findings will be shared with my doctorate supervisors at Oxford Brookes University. Anonymised results may be used in academic publications in positive psychology, parenting, and neurodivergence-related literature, as well as online and printed lifestyle and parenting publications and global conferences.

A non-technical summary of the study results with brief conclusions will be shared with any participant who consents to receive post-study updates by email. Any research published in academic journals or media publications can be forwarded to participants on request.

Who is organising and funding the research?

The research is being conducted by Zeena Hicks, a doctorate research student at Oxford Brookes University, Faculty of Business, School of Business and Management. Outside of studying, Zeena is a professionally accredited positive psychology coach and a mum of two boys with ADHD. She holds an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, is globally accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and is an active member of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), Positive Education Schools Association (PESA), and ADHD Europe.

No funding has been granted for this research.

Who has reviewed the study?

The Oxford Brookes University Research Ethics Committee has approved the research. UREC registration number: 251876

A supervisory team is monitoring the research. They are Dr Christian Ehrlich, Director of Studies, Department of Business and Management, cehrlich@brookes.ac.uk, and Dr Judie Gannon, Second Supervisor, Department of Business and Management, jmgannon@brookes.ac.uk.

Contacts for further information

For further information, please contact the researcher, Zeena Hicks, through this link or via the contact form below. If you have any concerns about how the study has been conducted, you should contact the Chair of the University Research Ethics Committee at ethics@brookes.ac.uk.

This Research Project has been approved by the Oxford Brookes University Research Ethics Committee. UREC registration number: 251876

Oxford Brookes Business School, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Oxford, OX3 0BP

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