The Advantage of Disadvantage: Is ADHD Associated with Idea Generation at Work?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) afflicts approximately 2.5% of adults. People who experience symptoms associated with this disorder tend to also experience a host of negative work outcomes (e.g., lower job performance, more injuries). However, there may be an upside to this disorder––namely, creativity. In this cross-sectional study of 258 Israeli adults, we found that more severe ADHD symptoms were positively associated with experiencing planning discrepancies at work, which had a positive indirect effect on idea generation. However, we also found that ADHD symptoms were negatively associated with the perceived meaningfulness of one’s work, which had a negative indirect effect on idea generation. Thus, the total effect of ADHD on idea generation was null. We discuss the implications of this research and offer suggestions for future directions.