Summary: Researchers have identified a new measure called the “d factor” that indicates a person’s general propensity for distraction and its potential connection to ADHD. This research analyzed responses from over 1,000 participants and identified three core factors: external distraction, unwanted intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering. These factors combine to form the “d factor,” which is strongly correlated with ADHD symptoms and hyperfocus. This discovery could lead to a deeper understanding of distractibility and ADHD.
Key Facts:
- The “d factor” is derived from three primary types of distractions: external distractions, unwanted intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering.
- There is a strong statistical correlation between the “d factor” and ADHD symptoms, as well as with hyperfocus.
- This study suggests the existence of a general “distractibility trait” where individuals who score high are more easily distracted in various situations.
Source: PLOS
In a study involving over 1,000 participants, researchers have identified a novel measure called the “d factor” that represents a person’s general tendency towards distraction and its potential connection to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study was conducted by Han Zhang and colleagues at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and the findings were published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on October 25, 2023.
Prior research has focused on various types of distraction, such as external stimuli, negative repetitive thoughts, and daydreaming. Some studies have suggested that vulnerability to different types of distraction could be captured by a general “distractibility factor.”
However, the evidence for this factor has been limited, and most studies have not examined a comprehensive range of distractions, including those associated with ADHD.
To gain a better understanding of different types of distraction and their relationship with ADHD, Zhang and colleagues asked 1,220 participants to complete multiple questionnaires assessing their tendency to experience different distractions in their daily lives. These distractions included difficulties concentrating with the television on or getting lost in daydreaming. The questionnaires also evaluated ADHD symptoms and hyperfocus.
Through the analysis of participants’ responses, three key factors emerged: external distraction, unwanted intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering. These factors were then combined into a higher-level factor called the “d factor.”
Further analysis revealed a strong statistical correlation between the “d factor” and a person’s ADHD symptoms. The “d factor” was also associated with hyperfocus, suggesting a connection between hyperfocus and attention difficulties.
These findings provide valuable insights into distractibility and its relationship with ADHD. The researchers emphasize the need for additional research to explore the nature of the “d factor” and its links to ADHD using alternative methods, such as behavioral tasks or tests.
The authors conclude: “A critical finding of our study is the identification of a higher-order factor that could represent a general distractibility trait. People who score high on the ‘general distractibility’ trait are more easily distracted in many situations.”
About this ADHD news
Author: Hanna Abdallah
Source: PLOS
Contact: Hanna Abdallah – PLOS
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“A d factor? Understanding trait distractibility and its relationships with ADHD symptomatology and hyperfocus” by Han Zhang et al. PLOS ONE
Abstract
A d factor? Understanding trait distractibility and its relationships with ADHD symptomatology and hyperfocus
Individuals vary in their susceptibility to distraction. However, distractions can take various forms, from external stimuli to internal thoughts. How can we characterize these individual differences in distractibility?
Two samples of adult participants (total N = 1,220) completed a comprehensive set of questionnaires that assessed different aspects of real-world distractibility.
Latent modeling revealed that these measures could be explained by three correlated yet distinct factors: external distraction, unwanted intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering.
Importantly, approximately 80% of the total variance in these three factors could be explained by a single higher-order factor (d) that represents a person’s general distractibility. This general distractibility model was consistent across the two samples.
The researchers then applied the general distractibility model to understand the nature of ADHD symptomatology and hyperfocus. They found a significant association between d and self-reported ADHD symptoms.
Interestingly, d was also positively associated with hyperfocus, suggesting that hyperfocus may partially reflect attention problems.
These results demonstrate consistent findings across the two samples and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of individual differences in distractibility and related constructs.
