ADHD Symptomology and Social Functioning in College Students

J Atten Disord. 2017 Oct;21(12):1009-1019. doi: 10.1177/1087054714557355. Epub 2014 Nov 17.

Abstract

Objective: ADHD is no longer considered a disorder that children simply outgrow. Adults experience ADHD at high rates (2.5%-5%) and are impaired in multiple life domains, including social impairment. The purpose of this study was to examine emerging adults with varying degrees of ADHD symptomology in respect to social impairment, state and trait anger, romantic relationship satisfaction, and intimate partner violence (IPV).

Method: College students, a subset of emerging adults, were recruited to complete measures online.

Results: Data were analyzed using a series of multiple regressions. Higher levels of ADHD symptomology in college students were related to increased social impairment and higher levels of state and trait anger, but not romantic relationship satisfaction or rates of IPV.

Conclusion: Anger management and social skills training may be beneficial treatment components for this group.

Keywords: ADHD; IPV; anger; intimate partner violence; romantic relationships; social impairment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Intimate Partner Violence* / psychology
  • Intimate Partner Violence* / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult