Anger, relationships, and intimate partner violence in emerging adults with and without ADHD symptomology

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often characterized as a childhood disruptive behavior disorder which children simply outgrow. However, research has disproved this notion as many adolescents and adults continue to experience ADHD-related impairment (Barkley, Murphy, & Fisher, 2008). The reasoning behind this impairment is that it may be due to a deficit in executive functioning as a result of ADHD symptoms (Barkley, 1997). The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between emerging adults with varying degrees of ADHD symptomology in respect to social and romantic relationship satisfaction, state and trait anger, and intimate partner violence (IPV). College students, a subset of emerging adults, were recruited and completed measures online. Results were analyzed using a series of hierarchical linear regression and moderated regression analyses. College students with higher levels of ADHD symptoms reported increased social impairment and higher levels of state and trait anger than college students with lower levels of ADHD symptoms. Implications for the treatment of both adults and children with ADHD and future directions are discussed. Preventative strategies may be implemented for individuals with ADHD concerning interpersonal skills and anger coping strategies