O027
ADHD traits, stigma, and well-being: A community study among Hungarian adolescents and young adults
K. Vajsz 1,*, M. Miklosi 2, L. R. Paulina 1, D. Pető 3, B. Juhász 3, X. Gonda 1
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, 2Centre of Mental Health, Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute, 3Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
Introduction: Beyond cognitive and behavioral difficulties, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often accompanied by stigma, including negative public attitudes, self-stigmatization, and poor mental health literacy. Such factors may compromise well-being during adolescence and young adulthood, a critical period for identity formation.
Objectives: This study investigated the associations between ADHD-related traits, stigma, and well-being in Hungarian adolescents and young adults, focusing on how inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity traits relate to emotional, social, and psychological well-being, and whether stigma components act as mediators.
Methods: A cross-sectional community sample (N = 1295, age 14-25) completed validated measures: SWAN (Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior Scale), MHC-SF (Mental Health Continuum - Short Form), ASQ (ADHD Stigma Questionnaire), RIBS (Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale), and MAKS (Mental Health Knowledge Schedule). Correlations, linear regressions, and mediation analyses were performed.
Results: Inattention traits were negatively associated with all well-being domains (r = 0.27-0.41, p < 0.001), while hyperactivity/impulsivity showed weaker but significant associations (r = 0.18-0.23, p < 0.001). In multiple regression models, inattention (β = -0.32, p < 0.001) and mental health knowledge (β = 0.12, p < 0.001) emerged as significant predictors of psychological well-being, with internalized stigma (ASQ negative self-image; β = -0.13, p < 0.001) exerting an additional negative effect. Emotional and social well-being were significantly predicted by inattention (β = -0.09 to -0.27, p < 0.01) and mental health knowledge (β = 0.09-0.27, p < 0.01). The final model predicting psychological well-being explained 17.5% of the variance (Adj. R² = 0.175, F(3,694) = 50.124, p < 0.001). Mediation analyses revealed limited but significant indirect effects of inattention on emotional well-being through stigma and knowledge.
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Conclusions: ADHD-related inattention traits and mental health literacy are key determinants of youth well-being, while internalized ADHD-related stigma directly undermines eudaimonic well-being, which is closely related to good functioning and self-realization. Findings underscore the importance of psychoeducation and stigma-reduction efforts, even in non-clinical populations with elevated ADHD traits.
Disclosure of Interest: None Declared