Differences in self-concept among persons with high and low prevalence of ADHD symptoms

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to shed light on the effects that ADHD symptoms can have on the way individuals assess themselves on six different domains: physical, moral, personal, family, social and academic/work and on their overall self-concept. A total of 136 participants were assessed using two self-ratings questionnaires: Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS-2) and the ADHD screening questionnaire (ADHD-SQ). Mean scores showed positive self-concepts in each individual subscale. A total of 17% of individuals met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and they were separated into three subgroups: 7,4% Inattentive group, 5,9% Hyperactive/Impulsive group and 3,7% Combined group. Correlational analyses showed significant negative correlation between overall self-concept and both Inattention and Hyperactivity. Independent T-test samples found that participants with high prevalence of ADHD symptoms had significantly lower self-concept scores compared with participants with low prevalence of ADHD symptoms.