Dysfunctional career thoughts and peer relationships in adolescents with ADHD

Little research exists on peer relationship functioning in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its connection to early career exploration skills. To fill this gap, the present study examined the link between the quality of peer relationships and domains of dysfunctional career thoughts (i.e., decision-making confusion, commitment anxiety, and external conflict) while considering gender among 102 adolescents with ADHD. The results, using multiple regression analyses, indicated a significant negative correlation between external conflict and positive female-to-female relationships. Females with high-quality relationships with other female peers had fewer dysfunctional career thoughts pertaining to external conflict. Implications for career professionals when formulating interventions are discussed.