Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jana Price-Sharps

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the fastest growing mental disorders in the United States. More children are being diagnosed than ever before, and many of these individuals are finding that at least one other emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder often accompanies ADHD (including psychopathy). The number of individuals in the prison population with both ADHD and psychopathy is on the rise. Because of these increases, including what is being seen in the prison population, this study aimed to identify if there was a relationship between ADHD and psychopathy in the general population, and if there were specific maternal prenatal behaviors that may increase the likelihood of this relationship. This study used a survey composed of both the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales assessment, the Carlson Psychological Survey assessment, and additional demographic questions to gather data. Social media groups specific to ADHD were used to recruit a convenience sample of 88 participants who endorsed symptoms of ADHD. A quantitative analysis was conducted to explore the degree of the relationship between ADHD and psychopathy in the general population who endorsed symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, this study used a multiple linear regression to determine if maternal nicotine, alcohol, or drug consumption had any effect on the degree of this relationship. Results indicated that there was not a statistically significant relationship between ADHD and psychopathy in the general population, unlike what is seen in the prison population. However, even though the finding were not statistically significant, there are still implications for future research and evidence that the social stigma around ADHD and delinquent behaviors is inaccurate.

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