ADHD Traits in the General Population and Their Association with Positive Aspects of ADHD
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2022-07-07
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en
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Abstract
Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental
condition characterised by inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. Historically, ADHD research
has focused on deficits in people with ADHD. We know from qualitative studies that people with
ADHD experience positive aspects related to their ADHD. Quantitative evidence for these positive
aspects is scarce, and no studies to date have investigated multiple positive aspects of ADHD in one
study.
Aim: To quantitatively investigate the relationship between self-reported positive aspects of ADHD
and ADHD traits in the general population.
Methods: We collected data from ten questionnaires investigating positive aspects related to ADHD,
and ADHD traits. Our primary analysis consisted of correlation analysis between ADHD traits and
hyperfocus, enthusiasm, perseverance, up for anything, curiosity, empathy, sensitivity, sociability,
humour and flexibility. Exploratively, we performed factor analysis to help us understand how
positive aspect occur together, and network analyses to identify how positive aspects influence each
other.
Results: We found positive correlations between ADHD traits and hyperfocus, sensory processing
sensitivity, and cognitive flexibility. Network analysis revealed that positive aspects interact with and
influence ADHD traits and each other.
Conclusions: We have shown that people with high rates of ADHD traits also experience more
hyperfocus, sensory processing sensitivity and cognitive flexibility. We also found aspects that were
indicated previously as positive aspects of ADHD, but correlated negatively with ADHD traits (e.g.,
perseverance). Future studies should investigate the origin and development of positive aspects, as
some of these aspects could be coping mechanisms of people with ADHD and do therefore not
correlate with ADHD traits in a population sample. Moreover, it is important to test and translate
our results to a clinical ADHD population, to develop psychoeducation or strength-based
interventions for this group. Our results can help people with ADHD to improve their self-esteem
and can reduce stigma.
KEYWORDS
ADHD, strengths, positive psychology, neurodiversity
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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen