Chronic Stress and Cognitive Functioning: Mediation Effects on ADHD Symptomatology

Campbell, Dawn Katie (2025) Chronic Stress and Cognitive Functioning: Mediation Effects on ADHD Symptomatology. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Background: This study sought to broaden our understanding of ADHD symptomatology in a large sample of adults (n = 118, female = 87, male = 31), aged 18-62 years. This study investigated the mediating effects of cognitive functioning on the association between chronic stress and Attention-Deficit-Hyperactive-Disorder (ADHD). The objective was to expose a potential mechanism emphasizing the relationship between chronic stress and ADHD symptoms.

Methods: An online questionnaire was conducted consisting of three scale measures; Chronic Stress Index (CSI) Cognitive Functioning Self-Assessment Scale (CFSS) and Attention-Deficit-Hyperactive-Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1).

Results: A significant indirect effect of chronic stress (X) on ADHD symptoms (Y), through cognitive functioning (M) was observed (B = 1.40, 95% BCa CI [.613, 2.29], p = .0009), while the direct effect of X on Y became non-significant (B = .686, 95% BCa CI [-.234, 1.61], p = .142), in the presence of M, indicating full mediation.

Conclusion: Findings highlight the detrimental effects that exposure to chronic stress imposes on cognitive functioning, while presenting as a fundamental influential factor in the prevalence of ADHD symptoms via indirect effects. These findings inform our knowledge and understanding of ADHD symptomatology, which may inform future clinical practice.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Coughlan, Barry UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Chronic stress; cognitive functioning; ADHD symptomatology; mediation analysis
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Cognitive psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Stress (Psychology)
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2025 10:35
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2025 10:35
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8877

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