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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
08:25
Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults
Published on: October 19, 2014
Adverse Childhood Experiences as a Moderator of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Risky and Distracted
Adam C Haag1, Annie A Garner1, Terri L Weaver1
1Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Psychological Reports
|June 10, 2026
Summary
Young drivers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and those with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) face higher risks of unsafe driving. Both ADHD symptoms and ACEs independently predict risky driving behaviors in young adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for young drivers.
- Young drivers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are a vulnerable population at high risk for crashes.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are independently linked to unsafe driving behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the unique impact of ADHD, ACEs, and their interaction on driving behaviors in a sample of young drivers.
- To identify specific risk factors contributing to unsafe driving within the young driver population, particularly those with ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 263 licensed young drivers (ages 18-29).
- Participants reported ADHD symptoms, a subset of ACEs, and engagement in risky and distracted driving behaviors.
- Statistical analyses examined the predictive relationships between ADHD, ACEs, and driving behaviors.
Main Results:
- Total ADHD symptoms and ACEs significantly predicted increased risky driving.
- Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms of ADHD uniquely predicted distracted driving.
- No significant interaction was found between ADHD symptoms and ACEs for driving outcomes.
Conclusions:
- ADHD symptoms and ACEs are independent risk factors for unsafe driving in young drivers.
- Childhood adversity does not appear to exacerbate the risk associated with ADHD for driving outcomes.
- Interventions targeting individuals with ADHD symptoms or histories of childhood adversity are needed to prevent negative driving behaviors.
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