Mind-wandering and ADHD

Although earlier work has shown a link between mind-wandering and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, this relationship has not been further investigated by taking into account recent advances in mind-wandering research. The present study provides a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between mind-wandering and ADHD symptomatology in an adult community sample (N=105, 71 female, mean age=23.1) using laboratory measures and experience sampling during daily-life. Mind-wandering and detrimental mind-wandering were positively associated with ADHD symptoms. Meta-awareness of mind-wandering mediated the relationship between ADHD symptomatology and detrimental mind-wandering, suggesting that some of the negative consequences can be ameliorated by strategies that facilitate meta-awareness. Interestingly, participants with low ADHD scores showed a positive relationship between detrimental mind-wandering and useful mind-wandering; however, participants with high ADHD scores failed to engage in this type of 'strategic' mind-wandering. These results provide new insights into the relationship between ADHD symptomatology and mind-wandering that could have important clinical implications.Arts, Faculty ofPsychology, Department ofNon UBCReviewedFacult