A recent study published in Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology found that girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to exhibit lower levels of emotional stability, agreeableness, and conscientiousness as they grow up. The longitudinal study analyzed data from 228 girls, including those diagnosed with ADHD, between the ages of 6 and 12, and their personality assessments in adolescence.
The researchers discovered that girls with ADHD were more likely to have negative self-perceptions and exhibit lower levels of emotional stability, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Importantly, the study found a stronger link between ADHD symptoms and negative self-views in girls from higher-income families.
The study’s authors suggest that the negative effects of ADHD on personality development may be perpetuated by childhood experiences and societal pressures. They propose that targeting negative self-perceptions through psychoeducation and skill-building interventions could potentially mitigate these effects.
While the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between ADHD and personality, it is essential to acknowledge that there may be overlap between inattention and conscientiousness, which can lead to associations between ADHD symptoms and personality traits. Furthermore, the development of personality traits in adolescence may differ from those in adulthood.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/girls-with-adhd-in-childhood-tend-to-become-less-conscientious-and-agreeable-as-adolescents/