Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Measurement of Neurophysiological Signals of Ignoring and Attending Processes in Attention Control
Published on: July 5, 2015
Which behavioral and personality characteristics are associated with difficulties in selective attention?
1Department of Psychology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel. alonavisar@gmail.com
Objective:
The present study investigated the behavioral and personality profile associated with difficulties in selective attention.
Method:
A group of participants with ADHD were assessed for ADHD behaviors. Adults with ADHD (n=22) and without ADHD (n=84) were tested on the conjunctive visual-search task for selective attention and behavioral measures, including ADHD behaviors, Big Five dimension of personality, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, and sensation-seeking behavior.
Results:
Correlations and multiple regression analysis (group was dummy coded) showed that ADHD behaviors were not related to search performance. However, poorer search performance was related to greater neuroticism, agreeableness, introversion, lower sensation seeking, and, marginally, to OCD symptoms.
Conclusion:
The study findings suggested that difficulties in selective attention are probably not associated with ADHD behaviors, but rather with personality traits characterized by preserving and avoiding high-stimulation behaviors.
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with...
Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. They are often...
Information Processing Approach
Dark Triad and Person Perception
Personality Disorders: Schizotypal and Histrionic
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric Behavior and Social Withdrawal
Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by odd or eccentric...

