The Role of Self-Compassion in Mental Health Among Early Adulthood with ADHD Symptoms: A Network Psychometric Approach

Abstract Background: Previous research has primarily approached the interconnections between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, self-compassion and mental health from a variable-centered perspective. However, few studies have explored how ADHD symptoms interacts with self-compassion and mental health at the symptom level. This study aims to construct a symptom network that elucidates the complex relationships among ADHD symptoms, self-compassion and mental health. It seeks to explore the bridging symptoms within this network, thereby informing the development of effective intervention strategies. Methods: The sample included 948 college students in early adulthood (ages 18-24 years). Participants completed questionnaires assessing ADHD symptoms (ASRS, WURS), personality (CBF-PI-B), self-compassion (SCS), life satisfaction (SWLS), and demographic information. We visualized the symptom network using the “qgraph” package and computed the expected influence of each node to identify bridge symptoms. Results: The study discovered that among college students in early adulthood, 6.5% exhibited symptoms exceeding the ADHD threshold. Specifically, the prevalence rate for inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms were 12.8% and 7.1%, respectively. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was found between neuroticism and the following symptoms: Isolation (r = 0.72), Self-judgment (r = 0.65), and Overidentification (r = 0.72). The assessment of Bridge Expected Influence finds six bridge symptoms within the symptom network - Neuroticism, Inattention, Overidentification, Self-judgment, Oppositional/Defiant Behavior, and Isolation - each significantly impacting the network. Conclusion: This study employed network analysis to elucidate the relationship between self-compassion, mental health, and ADHD at the symptom level. The results indicate a consistent association between neuroticism and negative self-compassion within the ADHD population. Additionally, neuroticism and oppositional/defiant behaviors in childhood were found to potentially influence ADHD symptoms in adulthood, while self-compassion emerged as a promising intervention particularly effective for inattentive types, but further research is needed to test its effectiveness. particularly effective for inattentive types, although further research is required to confirm its efficacy.