Abstract
The objective of my study was to examine if fidget devices moderate the relationships between sustained attention, perceived warmth, perceived criticism, and self-esteem. Participants were nine students at The College of Wooster who were formally or self-diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were randomly assigned by trial to either the fidget or non-fidget group, where they were direct to use or not to use a fidget device, respectively. The in-person computer-based experiment also included confederates who sat next to real participants and used non-verbal judgement behaviors to produce an environment where real participants felt judged. Participants completed a sustained attention task (SART 2) and self-report surveys to measure perceived negative social perception (SU-PCaW) and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). My results indicate no relation between fidget use, sustained attention, PNSP, or self-esteem. Findings may suggest fidget use has no impact on sustained attention in situations that produce the optimal level of arousal. The results have implications for people with ADHD trying to improve their sustained attention, suggesting fidget use might not improve sustained attention if there is already an optimal level of arousal.
Advisor
Clark, Alyssa
Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Hollister, Kate Agnes, "Moderating Sustained Attention and Self-Esteem’s Relationship with Perceived Negative Social Perception Using Fidget Devices in ADHD Adults" (2026). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13382.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13382
Disciplines
Psychology
Keywords
ADHD, sustained attention, self-esteem, perceived negative social perception, college students
Publication Date
2026
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2026 Kate Agnes Hollister