THE INFLUENCE OF REWARD AND PUNISHMENT MOTIVATION/ SENSITIVITY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADHD AND HYPERFOCUS

Jordová, Timea (2025) THE INFLUENCE OF REWARD AND PUNISHMENT MOTIVATION/ SENSITIVITY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADHD AND HYPERFOCUS. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between ADHD traits and dispositional hyperfocus, with a focus on whether reward sensitivity, punishment sensitivity, and reward and punishment motivation mediate this relationship. Previous research suggests that individuals with ADHD often exhibit heightened reward sensitivity and motivation, which may contribute to hyperfocus. This study sought to understand how these motivational factors might explain the connection between ADHD traits and hyperfocus. Method: A total of 360 university students participated in an online survey, completing self-report questionnaires that assessed ADHD traits, hyperfocus, and motivational factors. The data were analyzed using additional exploratory path analysis and mediation analysis to examine the proposed mediators. Results: The results indicate that reward and punishment sensitivity, along with reward and punishment motivation, did not mediate the relationship between ADHD traits and dispositional hyperfocus. However, exploratory path analysis revealed that reward motivation had a significant effect on dispositional hyperfocus, and ADHD traits significantly influenced both reward motivation and punishment responsivity. Conclusion: While existing literature suggests a relationship between ADHD traits, hyperfocus, and motivational factors, this study did not find significant mediation effects for reward sensitivity, punishment sensitivity, or motivation. The findings highlight that reward-related processes may still play a crucial role in hyperfocus, despite the absence of full mediation. Future research should consider larger samples with higher ADHD symptomatology or formal diagnoses to better capture these relationships. Keywords: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hyperfocus, reward motivation, reward sensitivity, punishment motivation, punishment sensitivity

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Garcia Pimenta, M.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	14 Aug 2025 12:11
Last Modified:	14 Aug 2025 12:11
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5849

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