Perceived Social Support and its Impact on Adult ADHD Symptomology Expression: A Retrospective Study
Date Submitted
6-25-2026
Faculty Advisor
Leah Barreca
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Although ADHD often occurs during childhood and adolescence, symptom expression continues into adulthood and may present differently throughout development and amongst individuals. Current literature has limited information regarding how perceived social support may relate to ADHD symptom expression in adults. The purpose of the present dissertation was to examine whether perceived social support predicted adult ADHD symptom expression in individuals referred for ADHD diagnostic clarification. De-identified clinical data were obtained from adults evaluated at a specialty clinic. The final sample included 30 adult participants. Perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and ADHD symptom expression was measured using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Version 1.1 (ASRS-v1.1) Part A Screener. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Multiple linear regression was used to examine whether MSPSS subscale scores predicted ASRS-v1.1 Part A Screener total scores. A multivariate multiple regression was also conducted using ASRS-v1.1 Part A Screener inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity mean scores. MSPSS subscale scores did not significantly predict ASRS-v1.1 Part A Screener total or individual subscale mean scores. However, GAD-7 scores were observed to be a significant individual predictor of ASRS-v1.1 Part A Screener hyperactivity/impulsivity mean scores in a follow-up analysis. Data collectively showed that perceived social support did not directly predict adult ADHD symptom expression in the current sample.
