[The role of personal strengths in the relationship between adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and perceived stress].

Abstract

Background/objectives: David P. Bernstein's model of personal strengths was born out of the interaction of schema theory and positive psychology. According to Bernstein, the strengths of a healthy adult self can be described along four dimensions: self-directedness, self-regulation, connectedness, and transcendence. Previous research has shown that attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is associated with higher levels of perceived stress, but the role of personal strengths in this context has not yet been investigated. The aim of our study was to explore the role of Bernstein's strength dimensions in the relationship between adult ADHD symptoms and perceived stress, using a dimensional approach in a non-clinical sample.

Method: Our online questionnaire, which included the Bernstein Strengths Scale (BSS), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and a shortened version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS4), was completed by 100 adults (mean age 38.25 years, standard deviation 5.73 years) after informed consent.

Results: In the bivariate analysis, the ASRS showed a significant negative association with the BSS dimensions, with a large effect size for self-regulation and a medium effect size for the other dimensions. On the other hand, the PSS4 scale showed significant negative correlations with all four strength dimensions, with effect sizes large for self-direction and self-regulation and medium for the connection and transcendence dimensions. Personal strengths mediated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and perceived stress.

Discussion: Our results suggest that ADHD symptoms may be associated with a deficit in personal strengths, which may contribute to negative outcomes. Psychotherapeutic interventions that support the recognition, cultivation and mobilization of strengths may be useful in the treatment of adults diagnosed with ADHD.