The subjective well-being of individuals diagnosed with comorbid intellectual disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders

The present study’s aim was to empirically explore subjective well-being (SWB) and its correlates among adults diagnosed with comorbid intellectual disability (ID) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This exploration was guided by the Theory of SWB Homeostasis as a conceptual framework for examining determinants and processes underlying the SWB of this understudied population.

A total of 246 adults receiving residential support completed questionnaires measuring their SWB, ADHD symptomatology, functional limitations, and individual internal (self-determination) and external (financial resources, and social support) resources.

The participants’ SWB was found to be within the normative range. ADHD symptomatology directly predicted reductions in SWB; however, according to the theory, this effect was fully mediated by the individual’s internal and external resources.

The main findings support the applicability of the SWB Homeostasis theory for understanding the SWB of individuals with comorbid ID and ADHD. The study findings shed light on the psychosocial determinants of SWB and highlight the importance of psychosocial resources as buffers of the effect of health and environmental conditions.