The Role of Self-compassion in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is associated with poor mental health and higher criticism from others. Criticism can impact how a person responds to themselves, leading to lower self-compassion. High levels of self-compassion predict good mental health and provides resilience to negative psychosocial outcomes. The research in this thesis investigates the relationship between ADHD, perceived criticism and self-compassion in adults with high traits of ADHD. The research also investigates the effect of self-compassion on mental health in adults with ADHD. Three study designs were used to collect data. The first used an online survey method to measure ADHD, self-compassion, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, well-being, and perceived criticism. An open text question was used to capture participant’s experiences and perceptions of criticism. A second study used the Propositional Evaluation Paradigm task to measure implicit self-compassion and change in self-compassion in response to negative, positive, or neutral feedback. The final study followed a randomised control trial design to measure changes in self-compassion and mental health after engaging with a self-compassion intervention, or active control. Levels of self-compassion were lower in adults with high ADHD traits, irrespective of diagnosis. This was explained, in part, by higher levels of perceived criticism reported by adults with ADHD. People with ADHD perceive criticism in many forms including humour, direct comments, and comparisons with others. Some participants reported that understanding of ADHD can reduce criticism and increase levels of support. Results also showed that lower self-compassion explained, in part, why adults with ADHD have poorer mental health compared to people without ADHD. Finally, increasing levels of self-compassion can have a positive effect on mental health outcomes in adults with ADHD.