The Role of Self-Compassion and Rejection Sensitivity in ADHD Symptoms

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between ADHD symptoms, self-compassion, and rejection sensitivity, considering potential gender differences. Prior research has shown that individuals with ADHD often experience lower emotional regulation, which could lead to decreased selfcompassion and increased rejection sensitivity. Given the under-researched mechanisms behind these relationships, the study aimed to examine whether self-compassion levels varied between individuals with high and low ADHD and whether there were gender-specific differences in rejection sensitivity and self-compassion. Additionally, it was tested whether self-compassion mediated between rejection sensitivity and ADHD symptoms, and if rejection sensitivity mediated between self-compassion and ADHD symptoms. A cross-sectional design was used, with a survey that included the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Rejection Sensitivity RS-Adult questionnaire. A sample of 207 adults was recruited online from discussion forums and CHADD, with ADHD not being an inclusion criterion. Analyses included mediation models to assess the indirect effects of self-compassion and rejection sensitivity, and a MANOVA to note gender-specific differences and to compare self-compassion across individuals without (low) and with (high) ADHD. The results revealed that individuals with high ADHD symptoms reported lower levels of self-compassion and higher rejection sensitivity. Self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, while rejection sensitivity also mediated the relationship between ADHD and selfcompassion. However, no significant gender differences were found. Overall, those with high ADHD showed lower self-compassion and higher rejection sensitivity compared to those with low ADHD.