Rejection Sensitivity and Social Outcomes of Young Adult Men with ADHD

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Will Canu Ph.D, Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Objective: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been consistently linked to social maladjustment. This study investigated whether elevated rejection sensitivity (RS) could contribute to the relational problems that adults with ADHD encounter. Method: Undergraduate men in ADHD-Combined Type (ADHD-C; n = 31), ADHD-Primarily Inattentive Type (ADHD-IA; n = 22), and nondiagnosed control (NC; n = 25) groups completed questionnaires concerning RS, relational history, current relationships, and self-esteem. Results: The hypothesis that those with ADHD would have elevated RS (versus NC peers) was not supported. However, low RS predicted divergent outcomes across groups. Furthermore, ADHD-IA men reported more negative relational outcomes than their ADHD-C peers, although both groups reported lower general self-esteem than controls. Conclusion: Perhaps the positive illusory bias associated with childhood ADHD could buffer RS development. Findings provide evidence of ADHD-related impairment in adult relationships, further differentiate the principal ADHD subtypes, and extend the RS literature to this clinical population.

Additional Information

Publication
Canu, W. H., & Carlson, C. L. (2007). Rejection sensitivity and social outcomes of young adult men with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 10(3): 261-275 (Feb 2007). Published by SAGE (ISSN: 1557-1246). doi:10.1177/1087054706288106
Language: English
Date: 2007

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