The Moderating Effect of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on the Relationship Between Procrastination and Internalizing Symptoms in the General Adult Population

Mana Oguchi; Toru Takahashi; Yusuke Nitta; Hiroaki Kumano

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708579

The Moderating Effect of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on the Relationship Between Procrastination and Internalizing Symptoms in the General Adult Population

Front Psychol. 2021 Oct 26:12:708579. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708579. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Mana Oguchi^{1

2}, Toru Takahashi³, Yusuke Nitta¹, Hiroaki Kumano³

Affiliations

¹ Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan.
² Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.
³ Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan.

Abstract

Background: The symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are known to exacerbate the effect of cognitive-behavioral impairments on emotional burden. Although adults with ADHD frequently experience procrastination and internalizing symptoms such as depression and anxiety, few studies have examined whether the association between procrastination and internalizing symptoms differs by ADHD symptoms. Objective: This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of ADHD symptoms on the association between procrastination and internalizing symptoms. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 470 adults (mean age=26.57, standard deviation=2.93) using self-reported questionnaires: Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, General Procrastination Scales, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Conclusion: Participants with more substantial ADHD symptoms experienced more procrastination and internalizing symptoms than those with the less substantial ADHD symptoms. Therefore, procrastination constitutes the treatment target for those suffering from ADHD and comorbid internalizing symptoms. Alternatively, there was no enhancing effect of ADHD symptoms on the association between procrastination and internalizing symptoms. It is necessary to examine more precise and valid hypotheses and underlying mechanisms of procrastination in high and low ADHD symptom groups.

Keywords: anxiety; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; depression; emerging adulthood; procrastination.