ADHD symptoms in university students link to passive procrastination, depression, and smartphone addiction

While the link between chemical dependency and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is well-established, less is known about modern behavioral addictions, particularly smartphone use, among young adults with ADHD. This gap is crucial as these behaviors can significantly impact academic performance and mental well-being in a university setting. Understanding these associations can inform targeted interventions to support students struggling with ADHD symptoms and related challenges.

This cross-sectional study surveyed 408 Hungarian college students (67.2% female, mean age 23.37 years) using an online questionnaire. Participants completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale to assess ADHD symptoms, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) for depression, the Procrastination Scale, the Short College Boredom Scale, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV). Regression analyses were performed to identify significant relationships between these variables and ADHD symptoms.

Regression analyses revealed several significant associations with ADHD symptoms. Passive procrastination showed the strongest positive relationship (ß = .31, p < .001). Depression was also strongly linked (ß = .20, p < .001), as was academic boredom (ß = .18, p < .001). Smartphone addiction demonstrated a significant positive association (ß = .13, p < .001). Interestingly, active procrastination showed a negative association (ß = -.12, p < .001), suggesting it might be a distinct coping mechanism. Collectively, these variables accounted for 41% of the variance in ADHD symptoms.

Passive procrastination, depression, academic boredom, and smartphone addiction were all significantly and positively related to ADHD symptoms, accounting for 41% of the variance.