Emotion Regulation in the Associations of Inattention/Hyperactivity with Distress

Objectives: In this paper, we explore how emotion regulation strategies mediated in the associations between inattention/hyperactivity and psychological distress (including anxiety and depression) among young adults who sought mental health services. Methods: Students with mental health issues (N=83; age = 19.98 years [SD = 2.11]) completed measures assessing ADHD, emotion regulation, and psychological distress. We analyzed the data mainly using parallel mediation models. Results: There were direct positive associations between inattention and self-blame, blaming-others, anxiety, and depression. Similarly, hyperactivity positively affected self-blame, blaming-others, and depression but not anxiety. Moreover, self-blame and blaming-others served as mediators between inattention and depression (but not anxiety). However, only self-blame mediated the association between hyperactivity and anxiety, and depression. Conclusions: Inattention and hyperactivity could use different paths to trigger other mental health illnesses when maladaptive emotion regulation strategies are used. Clinicians and other health experts should address the most effective ways of mitigating emotional issues among young adults.