Validation of the dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D).
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional psychometric scale validation study (graded by design analogy, non-clinical CEBM)
PubMed 39169147 · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-70028-y
What was done
The authors conducted a preregistered psychometric validation study of the 12-item dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D). They administered the AHQ-D alongside Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), an alternative hyperfocus scale, flow, mind wandering, grit, social desirability, and extrasensory perception belief measures to 347 adults (mean ± SD age: 33 ± 11 years; 47% female). Analysis included exploratory factor analysis, item response theory modeling, and internal consistency and correlation analyses.
What was found
Exploratory factor analysis showed a single hyperfocus factor with loadings between 0.57 and 0.81. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93; mean split-half reliability = 0.93). AHQ-D scores correlated positively with CAARS ADHD scores (r(345) = 0.53), an alternative hyperfocus measure (r(344) = 0.69), mind wandering (r(345) = 0.39), and flow (r(345) = 0.12). Scores correlated weakly and negatively with grit (r(345) = -0.29) and social desirability (r(345) = -0.24), with no correlation to extrasensory perception beliefs (r(345) = 0.01).
Why it matters
This study provides a brief, validated 12-item self-report instrument to quantitatively assess dispositional hyperfocus in adults, replicating its association with ADHD traits.
Limits
The study evaluated a non-clinical sample and did not specifically recruit individuals with clinical ADHD diagnoses. All outcomes relied on self-report questionnaires, and longitudinal stability or test-retest reliability was not reported.
Cited by
- supports People with ADHD exhibit intense, laser-like focus and elevated attention when engaged in activities they genuinely love or are interested in.