The Association of ADHD Symptoms and Perceived Stress with Quality of Life in Married University Students: Examining Indirect Associations Involving Hyperfocus

Abstract

Background: Psychological stress and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with impaired daily functioning and reduced well-being in young adults. Objectives: This study examined the associations of perceived stress and ADHD symptoms with quality of life (QoL) among married university students and explored indirect associations via hyperfocus. Methods: This 2025 cross-sectional correlational study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 344 married students attending the Islamic Azad University of Isfahan who were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and Adult Hyperfocus Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated in SPSS, and SEM was performed in AMOS version 24. Results: The structural model demonstrated an acceptable and robust fit to the empirical data. ADHD symptoms and perceived stress were significantly and negatively associated with QoL. Hyperfocus was significantly associated with ADHD symptoms, perceived stress, and QoL, and accounted for indirect associations within these relationships. Conclusions: Given the cross-sectional design, the findings indicate statistically significant indirect associations rather than temporal or causal mediation. Hyperfocus appears to be associated with the relationships among ADHD symptoms, perceived stress, and QoL in this population. Future studies evaluating interventions targeting attention regulation and mindfulness-based approaches may help clarify their potential roles in supporting stress management and well-being in married university students.