Relationship Between ADHD Subtype Symptoms and Vulnerable Attachment Styles in Women

Kermis, Madison

Relationship Between ADHD Subtype Symptoms and Vulnerable Attachment Styles in Women

Author(s)

Kermis, Madison

Date Issued

April 23, 2025

Abstract

Objective: Girls and women with ADHD are part of a “silent minority” as mental health professionals have difficulty identifying ADHD in females. Without a diagnosis, women tend to have decreased self-esteem, increased difficulty with relationships, and increased likelihood of anxiety. Thus, leaving these women at a heightened risk for developing a vulnerable attachment style in romantic relationships. The study aims to examine women who do not have a clinical diagnosis of ADHD but exhibit symptoms of an ADHD subtype, and how symptoms could be associated with the development of a vulnerable attachment style. Methods: Participants (n = 46) for the current study are undergraduate students at Allegheny College in Northwestern, Pennsylvania. Participants were given two questionnaires to complete, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Version 1.1 (ASRS-v1.1) and the Adult Attachment Questionnaire (AAQ). Participants were recruited via AlleghenySONA and received 1 SONA credit for their participation. It was hypothesized that higher levels of inattentive ADHD symptoms will be positively correlated with higher levels of avoidant attachment, while higher levels of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms will positively correlate with higher levels of anxious attachment. Results: A Pearson’s correlation table revealed four interactions between ADHD subtype symptoms and insecure attachment styles. Both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive subtypes of ADHD were positively correlated with avoidant attachment style. Additionally, both inattention and hyperactive-impulsive subtypes were negatively correlated with anxious attachment.

Major

Psychology

Honors

Psychology, 2025

First Reader(s)

Paulson, Lauren R.