Relationship between ADHD tendencies toward injury experience and psychological distress among university athletes

Abstract

This study compared the ratio of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tendencies and psychological distress in university athletes and general university students to clarify the relationship between ADHD tendencies, injury history, and psychological distress among university athletes. I used a cross-sectional research design and conducted an online survey with university athletes (n=150) and general university students (n=150) recruited through an online research company. The results showed no significant differences in high ADHD tendencies or increased psychological distress between the two groups. Moreover, regression analysis indicated a significant correlation between the interaction terms of athletes’ ADHD tendencies and gender for previous sports injury experiences. Furthermore, injury experiences were notably higher in male athletes with high ADHD tendencies. In addition, ADHD tendencies were directly related to university athletes’ psychological distress levels. These findings suggest the need for support to reduce injuries and psychological distress of athletes with ADHD tendencies.