The Role of Body Image in the Link Between ADHD and Depression Symptoms Among College Students

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Given the link between negative body image and depression symptoms, body image may affect the association between ADHD and depression symptoms. We evaluated the degree to which a variety of body image constructs mediated the association between ADHD and depression symptoms. METHOD: Participants were undergraduate psychology students ( N = 627, age: M = 20.23, SD = 1.40, 60% female, 47% European American) who completed an online assessment. RESULTS: Results indicated that ADHD symptoms were indirectly associated with increased depression symptoms, and that negative evaluation of physical appearance, overweight preoccupation, and body dissatisfaction mediated the association between ADHD and depression symptoms. ADHD symptoms were also directly associated with increased depression symptoms. CONCLUSION: Body image appears to play a role in the association between ADHD and depression symptoms for college students. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.