Abstract
Objective: Across contexts, from social cognition to the COVID-19 pandemic
response, individual variation in the regulation of interpersonal distance has typically
been viewed as a voluntary choice. Here we examine the frequency of unintentional
lapses in interpersonal distancing, and their relationship with childhood ADHD
symptoms.
Method: We administered a novel measure of difficulty in interpersonal distancing
across 3 undergraduate samples (total N = 1,233), in addition to measures of
recalled childhood ADHD symptoms, mind wandering and hyperfocus.
Results: Almost all (>97%) participants reported unintentional lapses in maintaining
interpersonal distance, with 16% experiencing such lapses frequently. Thirty percent
of the variance in these reports was accounted for by attentional traits: Inattentive
and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms jointly predicted difficulties with
interpersonal distancing, with the former relationship fully mediated by hyperfocus
and spontaneous mind wandering.
Conclusion: Both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms confer
vulnerability to frequent unintentional lapses in interpersonal distancing.
response, individual variation in the regulation of interpersonal distance has typically
been viewed as a voluntary choice. Here we examine the frequency of unintentional
lapses in interpersonal distancing, and their relationship with childhood ADHD
symptoms.
Method: We administered a novel measure of difficulty in interpersonal distancing
across 3 undergraduate samples (total N = 1,233), in addition to measures of
recalled childhood ADHD symptoms, mind wandering and hyperfocus.
Results: Almost all (>97%) participants reported unintentional lapses in maintaining
interpersonal distance, with 16% experiencing such lapses frequently. Thirty percent
of the variance in these reports was accounted for by attentional traits: Inattentive
and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms jointly predicted difficulties with
interpersonal distancing, with the former relationship fully mediated by hyperfocus
and spontaneous mind wandering.
Conclusion: Both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms confer
vulnerability to frequent unintentional lapses in interpersonal distancing.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Attention Disorders |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Jan 2023 |