Hyperactive–impulsive ADHD traits predict higher curiosity in adults: evidence from a cross-sectional study

Le Cunff, Anne-Laure; Russell, Charlotte; Dommett, Eleanor J. · 2026 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-04504-7

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

Get this paper ↗ (DOI — opens at the source; we link to it, we don't host it)

Summary

This study investigates the relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) traits and trait curiosity in adults, addressing a gap in quantitative research regarding potential adaptive aspects of ADHD. While ADHD is traditionally framed as a deficit-based condition involving difficulties with attention and impulse control, emerging qualitative work suggests that curiosity may function as both a strength and a challenge for individuals with the disorder. The authors aimed to determine whether specific ADHD symptom dimensions—specifically inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity—are associated with individual differences in curiosity, potentially linking impulsivity-related traits to greater engagement with novelty. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of 521 adults residing in the United Kingdom, recruited via convenience sampling through university channels and social media. The sample included 50.7% of participants with a formal ADHD diagnosis, 20.9% self-diagnosed, and 25.9% with no diagnosis. ADHD traits were assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v1.1 (ASRS-v1.1), which measures inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity. Curiosity was measured using the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II (CEI-II), which evaluates two dimensions: “Stretching” (motivation to seek new knowledge) and “Embracing” (willingness to engage with uncertainty). Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression controlling for age, gender, and education, and Welch’s t-tests to compare diagnostic groups. Results indicated small-to-moderate positive correlations between ADHD trait scores and overall curiosity. Participants with an ADHD diagnosis reported moderately higher curiosity levels than those without a diagnosis. Crucially, multiple regression analyses revealed that hyperactivity–impulsivity uniquely predicted higher curiosity (β = 0.26, p < .001) after controlling for demographic variables, whereas inattention did not significantly predict curiosity. This pattern held consistent across both diagnosed and non-diagnosed groups. Additionally, a contingency analysis showed that elevated hyperactivity–impulsivity co-occurred with high curiosity more frequently than expected by chance. Supplementary analyses confirmed that these findings remained robust when accounting for autism status and medication use, with autism status actually associated with lower curiosity. The findings suggest that hyperactive–impulsive traits, often viewed as challenges, are associated with higher self-reported curiosity in adults. This supports theoretical accounts linking impulsivity to heightened responsiveness to novelty and reduced inhibitory control, potentially facilitating exploratory behavior. The study implies that some ADHD traits may relate to tendencies individuals experience as strengths, such as deep engagement with interests. However, the authors note that further research is required to determine whether this association translates to functional advantages in educational and occupational settings. The results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the ADHD phenotype, highlighting the potential adaptive value of certain impulsivity-related traits.

Provenance

The full processing record for this entry. Every stage of this paper's journey through the pipeline is logged — what ran, with which tool and model, how many attempts it took, and when it last completed.

Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-25; verification: verified.

Topics

Ranked by relevance to this paper. Hover a topic for its definition.

• sensation seeking