Serial mediation of ADHD symptoms and self-criticism between dysfunctional attitudes and mental health problems in Pakistani University students

The current study aims to explore the serial mediating role of ADHD symptoms and self-criticism between dysfunctional attitudes and mental health problems in young adults. The sample of 315 university students (13men and 180 women) with age ranging from 18 to 24 years were given a Demographic Performa, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Symptom Scale (ADHSS), Self-Criticism Scale (SCS), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS) and Student Problem Checklist (SPCL). Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to explore the relationship among dysfunctional attitudes, ADHD symptoms, self-criticism, and mental health problems in university students. Mediation analysis was carried out through Process, and results revealed that ADHD symptoms and self-criticism fully mediated between dysfunctional attitudes and mental health problems in university students (β =.04, SE =.14, p <.01). The current study highlights that dysfunctional attitudes, ADHD symptoms and self-criticism increase mental health problems, provides insight regarding counseling services for university students and in Pakistan as a developing country, policies should be developed that promote the mental health of university students.