Examining the Relationship between Adult Attention Deficit and Emotional Intelligence: Exploration of fundamental Univariate and Multi-Variate Relationships

Abstract

This research study examines the associations between dimensions of emotional intelligence (EQ) and adult attention deficit (AAD) in order to provide a framework for future research. A total of 219 management students completed three measures of AAD and a multi-dimensional measure of EQ (Bar-on EQI). Product moment correlations were used to examine the univariate associations between dimensions of EQ and AAD, and multiple regression examined the simultaneous multivariate relationship. Both the global measure of EQ and the all the sub-dimensions of EQ were significantly correlated with three established measures of AAD (College ADHD Response Evaluation, Brown AAD Scale and the DSM-V items used to identify inattention), except for non-significant univariate relationships between Brown-AAD and both empathy and social responsibility. Self-regard, self-actualization, reality-testing and stress-tolerance displayed the strongest univariate correlations, while self-actualization, reality-testing, happiness and stress tolerance remained significant when a composite score of the standardized scores from the 3 measures of AAD was simultaneously regressed on all the dimensions of EQ. Further research is required to confirm the directionality of the associations which will help to address the question of whether enhancing emotional competency will help reduce AAD symptoms and associated performance challenges.