Schippers LM, Greven CU, Hoogman M. Associations between ADHD traits and self-reported strengths in the general population.
Compr Psychiatry 2024;
130:152461. [PMID:
38335571 DOI:
10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152461]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
ADHD research has had a clear focus on symptoms, their negative consequences and the treatment of ADHD. However, previous qualitative research found that people with a diagnosis of ADHD also self-report to experience strengths related to their ADHD. This is one of the first quantitative studies to investigate multiple self-reported strengths in relation to ADHD traits in a general population sample. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the relationship between multiple self-reported strengths with ADHD traits in the general population using quantitative measures.
METHODS
Our sample consisted of individuals from the general population in the UK, aged 18-60, n = 694. Next to assessing ADHD traits, we collected data on ten instruments investigating strengths that in qualitative research were reported to be related to ADHD. Correlation analysis (primary) was supplemented by factor and network analyses (exploratory).
RESULTS
We found positive correlations between ADHD traits and hyperfocus, sensory processing sensitivity, and cognitive flexibility.
CONCLUSIONS
People with more ADHD traits score higher on several strengths, for other strengths we were not able to show a positive correlation in this population-bases sample. Information on strengths may aid people with elevated ADHD traits cope with their condition, and has potential to provide new angles for treatment.
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