PhD Scientific Days 2026

Mental Health Sciences 2.

Connections of dimensional Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder traits, stigma, and well-being in Hungarian female youth

Name of the presenter

Vajsz, Kornél

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University

Authors

Kornél Vajsz¹, Xénia Gonda¹, Mónika Miklósi²
1: Semmelweis University
2: Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute

Text of the abstract

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), ASQ (ADHD Stigma Questionnaire), 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.

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.