The role of impulsivity, sensation seeking and aggression in the relationship between childhood AD/HD symptom and antisocial behavior in adolescence

The aim of the study was to test the mediator role of impulsivity, sensation seeking, andproactive and reactive aggression on the relationship between childhood AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and antisocial behavior in a sample of729 Italian high school students. Although significant mediation effects were observedfor impulsivity and sensation seeking, a complete mediation effect was observed only forproactive aggression. The results of this study confirm and extend previous findingssuggesting that selected personality traits may represent risk factors for developingantisocial behavior in adolescence/adulthood in subjects with a history of ADHD.