Which behavioral and personality characteristics are associated with difficulties in selective attention?

Abstract

Objective: The present study investigated the behavioral and personality profile associated with difficulties in selective attention.

Method: A group of participants with ADHD were assessed for ADHD behaviors. Adults with ADHD (n=22) and without ADHD (n=84) were tested on the conjunctive visual-search task for selective attention and behavioral measures, including ADHD behaviors, Big Five dimension of personality, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, and sensation-seeking behavior.

Results: Correlations and multiple regression analysis (group was dummy coded) showed that ADHD behaviors were not related to search performance. However, poorer search performance was related to greater neuroticism, agreeableness, introversion, lower sensation seeking, and, marginally, to OCD symptoms.

Conclusion: The study findings suggested that difficulties in selective attention are probably not associated with ADHD behaviors, but rather with personality traits characterized by preserving and avoiding high-stimulation behaviors.