Risky sexual behavior among college students With ADHD: is the mother-child relationship protective?

J Atten Disord. 2015 Mar;19(3):240-50. doi: 10.1177/1087054712459560. Epub 2012 Oct 9.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the extent to which ADHD was associated with risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) in a sample of 92 undergraduates with (n = 44) and without (n = 48) ADHD. Mother-child relationship quality was examined as a potential moderator.

Method: We conducted comprehensive assessments for ADHD and comorbid conditions and collected measures of RSB and mother-child relationship quality.

Results: Female students with ADHD were least likely to use condoms than males overall and females without ADHD. An interaction between ADHD and mother-child relationship quality accounted for significant variance in the number of past-year sexual partners, such that a high-quality relationship was protective only for students with ADHD. No other significant associations were found between ADHD and RSB.

Conclusion: Results suggest that female college students with ADHD are at risk for unprotected sex. Moreover, a positive mother-child relationship may be protective for college students with ADHD in relation to RSB.

Keywords: ADHD; alcohol; parent–child relationship; risky behavior; sexual behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Risk
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Young Adult