Examining the mediational role of schema coping styles in the relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits and general sense of belonging in adults

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of schema coping styles in the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits and the general sense of belonging in adults. In line with this aim, the study was designed using the multiple mediator model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample of the study consisted of 407 adults aged between 18 and 64 years. Data were collected using the "Demographic Information Form," "Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)," "Schema Coping Modes Scale," and "General Belongingness Scale." Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 30.0 and Hayes' PROCESS Macro v4.1. The findings revealed a weak but statistically significant negative relationship between ADHD traits and general sense of belonging. Additionally, positive and moderate-level significant relationships were found between ADHD traits and all schema coping styles. As ADHD traits increased, scores on schema overcompensation, schema surrender, and schema avoidance also increased. While no significant relationship was found between the general sense of belonging and schema overcompensation, weak but significant negative correlations were observed between general belongingness and schema surrender and schema avoidance. These results suggest that as individuals' sense of belonging increases, the use of maladaptive schema coping styles such as surrender and avoidance decreases. Mediation analyses indicated that schema overcompensation and schema avoidance did not mediate the relationship between ADHD traits and general belongingness. However, schema surrender was found to fully mediate this relationship. Analyses based on demographic variables further showed that age, socioeconomic status, relationship status, and personality traits were significantly associated with several study variables. The findings of the study were discussed in relation to the existing literature.