The utility of I-poems to explore subjective well-being in children and adolescents with ADHD

Abstract

This study explores the utility of the I-poem methodology to investigate subjective well-being in children and adolescents with ADHD in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjective well-being in this population has been studied extensively via quantitative methodologies. In addition, narrative studies, discourse and theme analysis, participatory and visual method studies have also contributed to deeper understandings in the field. The current study seeks to contribute to knowledge creation within this field of non-numerical studies in an attempt to decentralise the voice of researchers and highlight the voices of participants. In the I-poem methodology, self-report ratings of children and adolescents with ADHD between the ages of 10 and 18 years old (n = 376) during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa was captured in an open-ended question. Data was analysed through the researcher’s creation of themed I-poems. The findings delineate broad categories of positive, negative and neutral feelings of subjective well-being during the pandemic. Notions of subjective well-being are related to themes of home, school, social life, self-growth and reflection, experiences of change, rules, extra-curricular activities, concerns, loss, finances, the new normal, and emotions. The study illustrates the utility of the I-poem methodology to illuminate dimensions of well-being that may otherwise remain invisible. The study also amplifies the potential of the I-poem methodology to be used in conjunction with, and complementary to, other research methodologies.