Self Compassion and Quality of Life among Adults with and without ADHD in Israel

Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience multiple difficulties in functioning and quality of life (QoL). Biological factors have been shown to explain ~ 30% of QoL variance, yet according to a biopsychological perspective on health there is a need for additional research on psycho-social factors which may add to the explained variance of QoL. Self-compassion (SC) concerns the way people relate to themselves when they experience suffering and pain. SC has been associated with QoL in various populations with chronic health conditions, yet evidence of SC in adults with ADHD, and specifically in Israel is limited. Methods: Cross-sectional survey design. Convenience sample comprising 34 adults with ADHD and 26 without ADHD. Participants completed self-rated questionnaires: ADHD symptoms (ASRS) Adult ADHD self-report scale, ADHD related QoL (AAQoL), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) comprising 6 scales: mindfulness, common humanity, self-kindness, over identification, isolation, and self-judgement. Results: Comparison between groups demonstrated that the ADHD group mean scores were significantly lower on AAQoL (F (1,58) = 20,84, p< .001) and on SCS (F (1,58) = 12.60, p< .001). Significant differences were found on five of six SCS subscales, with largest effects on over identification and common humanity. A positive significant correlation was found between total SCS and AAQoL total scores (r=.63; 69, p<.001). Additionally, SCS contributed to the explained variance of AAQoL beyond that accounted for by the ADHD group. Conclusions: SC may be a worthy intervention target to increase QoL among adults with ADHD.