Abstract

Emotion dysregulation (ED) is closely associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, its role in the relationship between ADHD symptoms and functional impairment remains unclear. This study examined whether ED functions as either mediator, moderator, or both in the association between ADHD symptoms and functional impairment (i.e., psychological maladjustment, interpersonal problems, and academic performance), in college students. Data were col- lected from 300 college students (218 female, 82 male) and analyzed using structural equation modeling. ED partially medi- ated the relationships between ADHD symptoms and psychological maladjustment and interpersonal problems; however, no significant mediating effect was observed for academic performance. Moderation analyses showed that ED moderated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and psychological maladjustment, such that the association weakened as ED increased. No significant moderating effects were found for interpersonal problems or academic performance. These findings highlight the multifaceted role of ED in the link between ADHD symptoms and functional impairment, particularly its importance in psychological maladjustment.