The relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental outcomes in early adolescence has been well documented in previous research. However, there is insufficient information on adolescents’ cognitive difficulties, particularly cognitive disengagement syndrome and executive function difficulties, as well as on the relationships between these constructs and adolescents’ mental health, resilience and the quality of the adolescent-teacher relationship. Therefore, this study examines the specific relationship between cognitive disengagement syndrome, executive function difficulties, adolescents’ mental health, resilience and characteristics of the relationship between adolescents and their teachers. In the pilot study, foreign-language scales will be translated, while new scales will be developed and validated on Croatian samples. The main sample will consist of 200 early adolescents and 50 of their teachers, and the study will be conducted in eastern and central Croatia. Adolescents will complete questionnaires measuring emotional and behavioural difficulties, resilience, executive function difficulties and teachers’ emotional engagement, and will perform behavioural tasks measuring executive functions. Teachers will complete questionnaires aimed at measuring emotional and behavioural difficulties in adolescents, as well as attitudes towards adolescents with cognitive difficulties. The results will be analysed using structural equation modelling. In conclusion, we expect the results to indicate a need for initiatives aimed at promoting positive teacher attitudes towards adolescents with cognitive difficulties and improving the quality of adolescent-teacher relationships, as well as enhancing adolescents’ mental health and resilience.
Keywords: cognitive disengagement syndrome, executive functions, emotional and behavioural difficulties, resilience, adolescent-teacher relationship
Project leader: Sandra Brezetić, PhD, Senior Assistant
Project implementation period: 1 September 2024 to 30 September 2025
Project team members:
Prof. Silvija Ručević, PhD
Asst. Prof. Dino Krupić, PhD