2023 Volume 71 Issue 4 Pages 257-276
Questionnaire data from 4,120 university students in Japan were used in an empirical examination of mechanisms linking "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tendency" and depression. The present study also investigated whether that relationship was mediated by stressors experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Path analysis revealed that higher levels of "ADHD tendency" were associated with higher levels of depression, both directly and through the mediation of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are subscales of the questionnaire on "ADHD tendency". In addition to the direct positive association between each of these subscales and depression, higher levels of both subscales were associated with higher depression, mediated by higher levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the indirect effects of all mediation models were relatively small. The present results suggest that, for prevention and early intervention for depression, a greater risk of depressive symptoms in university students with "higher ADHD tendency" should be recognized, and that those students should be provided with appropriate support to reduce stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
