Associations between ADHD traits and self-reported strengths in the general population

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.

Keywords

• ADHD
• Strengths
• Positive psychology
• Neurodiversity
• Hyperfocus
• Sensory processing sensitivity