Relationship between current quality of life and family of origin dynamics for college students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the relationship between current quality of life, family of origin relationship dynamics, and the presence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in college students.

METHOD

Participants were 37 ADHD undergraduate college students and 59 non-ADHD undergraduate students. Participants completed a background information questionnaire, Quality of Life Questionnaire, Family Environment Scale, and the Family Adaption and Cohesion Scale II.

RESULTS

In comparison to the control group, the ADHD group reported lower quality of life. The ADHD and non-ADHD groups did not differ significantly in reported family of origin relationship dynamics. Family of origin dynamics were highly predictive of current overall quality of life for the ADHD group, but less so for the non-ADHD group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that family of origin relationship dynamics deserve further study with respect to how they impact adult quality of life for individuals with ADHD.