ADHD Characteristics as Predictors of Adult Attachment Types

Objective: This exploratory study examines relationships between adult attachment types (secure, fearful avoidant, anxious preoccupied and dismissive avoidant) and characteristics of ADHD (hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention). Method: The prevalence of self-reported ADHD symptomology and adult attachment types were assessed in a total of 105 college students using the Conners ADHD Adult Rating Scale (CAARS; Conners, Erhardt, & Sparrow, 1999) and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ; Griffin & Bartholomew, 1994) respectively. Results: Findings from this study indicate that, after controlling for gender, higher levels of inattention predict lower secure adult attachment ratings and higher fearful adult attachment ratings. However, hyperactivity/impulsivity scores are not a predictor of adult attachment types. Conclusion: This study suggests that students with higher inattention, rather than hyperactivity/impulsivity characteristics are more likely to develop insecure adult attachments. The consequences on retention at college are discussed.