TY - JOUR
T1 - Attachment and Autonomy Problems in Adults With ADHD
AU - Koemans, Rosalien G.
AU - van Vroenhoven, Susanne
AU - Karreman, Annemiek
AU - Bekker, Marrie H.J.
PY - 2015/5/6
Y1 - 2015/5/6
N2 - Objective: Attachment security and autonomy were examined in adults with ADHD. Insecure attachment and autonomy problems were expected to be negatively associated with general psychological functioning. Method: Questionnaires were administered (Relationship Questionnaire, Autonomy-Connectedness Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory) in 84 late-diagnosed adults with ADHD. Results: Only 18% of participants were securely attached, as opposed to 59% in the normal population. Concerning autonomy, participants scored below average on self-awareness, above average on sensitivity to others, and average on capacity to manage new situations compared with the normal population. The preoccupiedly attached group reported more problems in psychological functioning than the secure and dismissive group. Sensitivity to others and capacity to manage new situations were associated with psychological functioning; self-awareness was not. Attachment security and autonomy contributed to general psychological functioning. Conclusion: Attachment and autonomy problems do exist in adults with ADHD and contribute negatively to their psychological functioning.
AB - Objective: Attachment security and autonomy were examined in adults with ADHD. Insecure attachment and autonomy problems were expected to be negatively associated with general psychological functioning. Method: Questionnaires were administered (Relationship Questionnaire, Autonomy-Connectedness Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory) in 84 late-diagnosed adults with ADHD. Results: Only 18% of participants were securely attached, as opposed to 59% in the normal population. Concerning autonomy, participants scored below average on self-awareness, above average on sensitivity to others, and average on capacity to manage new situations compared with the normal population. The preoccupiedly attached group reported more problems in psychological functioning than the secure and dismissive group. Sensitivity to others and capacity to manage new situations were associated with psychological functioning; self-awareness was not. Attachment security and autonomy contributed to general psychological functioning. Conclusion: Attachment and autonomy problems do exist in adults with ADHD and contribute negatively to their psychological functioning.
KW - ADHD
KW - adult
KW - family relations
KW - interpersonal relations
KW - personal autonomy
KW - psychological adaptation
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U2 - 10.1177/1087054712453170
DO - 10.1177/1087054712453170
M3 - Article
C2 - 22956713
AN - SCOPUS:84926376723
SN - 1087-0547
VL - 19
SP - 435
EP - 446
JO - Journal of Attention Disorders
JF - Journal of Attention Disorders
IS - 5
ER -