The Relationship Between Life Satisfaction and ADHD Symptoms in Middle School Students: Using a Bifactor Model

J Atten Disord. 2016 May;20(5):390-9. doi: 10.1177/1087054714521292. Epub 2014 Feb 10.

Abstract

Objective: ADHD is associated with increased academic and social difficulties and comorbid psychopathology which may lead to decreased life satisfaction (LS).

Methods: The current study utilized a bifactor model of ADHD consisting of a general factor and two specific factors (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity) to determine if ADHD symptoms place middle school students (n= 183) at risk for diminished LS and if this relationship differed depending on whether teachers versus students reported ADHD symptoms.

Results: Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the bifactor model provided very good fit to the ADHD symptoms reported by students (comparative fit index [CFI] = .995; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .028) and teachers (CFI = .997; RMSEA = .043). Results also demonstrated that when students rated ADHD symptoms, the general ADHD factor and inattention were negatively related to LS; however, when teachers rated ADHD symptoms, only inattention was negatively related to LS.

Conclusions: Implications and future directions related to these results are discussed.

Keywords: ADHD; bifactor model; life satisfaction.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Faculty*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior*
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychopathology
  • Quality of Life*
  • Students / psychology*
  • United States