Navigating stigma & identity : lived experiences of neurodivergent (ADHD) young Asian women in Aotearoa/New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Amidst growing awareness of neurodiversity, research is scarce on how young Asian women with ADHD experience and navigate their identities within intersecting cultural, gendered, and neurodivergent frameworks. This research explores the lived experiences of neurodivergent (ADHD) young Asian women in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This study addresses a significant gap in the existing literature on neurodivergent Asian women in this context by using a qualitative, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six purposively sampled participants aged 18-25, who were all diagnosed as adults. Five overarching themes, with 14 subthemes, are revealed by the analysis, shedding light on the individuals’ evolving perspectives of themselves, their experiences with neurodivergence, and their cultural placement. These themes include the negotiation of neurodivergence in familial and cultural contexts, post-diagnosis identity reconstruction, family and cultural dynamics, and pathways to self-understanding. In addition, the analysis highlights the concerns regarding representation, identity, and isolation, underscoring the difficulties and possibilities for enhancing public discourse about ADHD and fostering a sense of community. The findings reveal a complex and frequently contradictory process of identity reformulation and self-discovery, influenced by several interrelated factors, including cultural expectations and gendered norms. Theoretically, this study advances our understanding of how culture, identity, and neurodivergence interact, thereby helping us better comprehend how participants construct meaning.