Volume 6, Issue 1 (Winter 2026)
J Clin Sport Neuropsychol 2026, 6(1): 1-15 |
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Torabi R, Taghiloo S, Hassani S F. The Mediating Role of Executive Functions in Explaining the Relationship Between Behavioral Brain Systems and ADHD Symptoms in Adults. J Clin Sport Neuropsychol 2026; 6 (1) : 1
URL: http://jcsnp.ir/article-1-167-en.html
URL: http://jcsnp.ir/article-1-167-en.html
1- M. Sc. Student in General Psychology, Shahre Ghods Branch, Islamic Azad University, ،Tehran, Iran
2- Assistant Professor in Psychology, Astara Branch, Islamic Azad University, Astara, Iran
3- Assistant Professor in Psychology, Shahr Ghods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Assistant Professor in Psychology, Astara Branch, Islamic Azad University, Astara, Iran
3- Assistant Professor in Psychology, Shahr Ghods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (20 Views)
Background and Purpose: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adulthood is associated with difficulties in attention, behavioral control, and executive functioning and may be influenced by underlying behavioral brain systems. Executive function deficits may also represent an important mechanism in explaining ADHD symptoms. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of executive functions in explaining the relationship between behavioral brain systems and ADHD symptoms in adults.
Methods: This study was a descriptive non experimental correlational study based on structural equation modeling and was considered an applied study in terms of its purpose. The statistical population consisted of adults residing in District 5 of Tehran in 2025. A total of 292 adults were selected using convenience sampling and completed online versions of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (Conners, 1969), the Jackson 5 Scales based on the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (Jackson, 2009), and the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (Barkley, 2012). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationships among the study variables. Structural equation modeling was used to test the conceptual model and examine the mediating role of executive functions using AMOS-22.
Results: The results showed significant relationships among behavioral brain system components, executive functions, and ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, the structural equation modeling results indicated that executive functions had a significant mediating role in the relationship between behavioral brain systems and ADHD symptoms in adults. The findings indicated that behavioral brain systems were associated with the severity of ADHD symptoms both directly and indirectly through their effects on executive functions.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that executive functions may represent an important mechanism underlying the relationship between behavioral brain systems and ADHD symptoms in adults. Accordingly, simultaneously considering behavioral brain system characteristics and strengthening executive functions may be beneficial in developing comprehensive assessment and psychological intervention programs aimed at reducing ADHD symptoms in adults.
Methods: This study was a descriptive non experimental correlational study based on structural equation modeling and was considered an applied study in terms of its purpose. The statistical population consisted of adults residing in District 5 of Tehran in 2025. A total of 292 adults were selected using convenience sampling and completed online versions of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (Conners, 1969), the Jackson 5 Scales based on the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (Jackson, 2009), and the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (Barkley, 2012). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationships among the study variables. Structural equation modeling was used to test the conceptual model and examine the mediating role of executive functions using AMOS-22.
Results: The results showed significant relationships among behavioral brain system components, executive functions, and ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, the structural equation modeling results indicated that executive functions had a significant mediating role in the relationship between behavioral brain systems and ADHD symptoms in adults. The findings indicated that behavioral brain systems were associated with the severity of ADHD symptoms both directly and indirectly through their effects on executive functions.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that executive functions may represent an important mechanism underlying the relationship between behavioral brain systems and ADHD symptoms in adults. Accordingly, simultaneously considering behavioral brain system characteristics and strengthening executive functions may be beneficial in developing comprehensive assessment and psychological intervention programs aimed at reducing ADHD symptoms in adults.
Article number: 1
Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , Behavioral brain systems , Executive functions , Structural equation modeling
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Clinical Psychology
Received: 2025/08/29 | Accepted: 2025/10/19 | Published: 2026/01/1
Received: 2025/08/29 | Accepted: 2025/10/19 | Published: 2026/01/1
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