The Relationship Between ADHD Symptoms and Competence as Reported by Both Self and Others

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the relative relationships of self- and other-reports of adult ADHD symptoms to important life competencies, and also investigates whether self- and other-reports of ADHD symptoms are differentially associated with interrater differences in reports of competence. Method: A total of 91 women completed a self-perception questionnaire assessing competence. Other individuals who knew the women well completed the same questionnaire with regard to the women. The women’s ADHD symptoms were also rated by themselves and others. Results: Regressions of self- and other-reports of ADHD symptoms on competence scores suggest that other-reports of ADHD symptoms are more valid than self-reports. Also, correlations between reports of ADHD symptoms and interrater differences in rated competence were consistent with a positive illusory bias among women with high ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: Other-reports of ADHD symptoms may be better associated with an individual’s competence than self-reports.