SELF-CRITICISM AS A MALADAPTIVE COPING STRATEGY IN WOMEN WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN WARTIME CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article presents the results of an empirical study of self-criticism as a key maladaptive coping strategy in women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the context of full-scale war in Ukraine. Within the framework of an integrative approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, the psychological characteristics of self-criticism, its connection with psychological distress, and the role of the war context as a catalyst for maladaptive coping strategies are revealed.

The sample consisted of 34 women with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD (mean age 32.1 years). A set of methods was used: the COPE questionnaire to assess coping strategies, the DASS-21 scale to measure psychological distress, the ASRS scale to verify PTSD symptoms, and qualitative analysis of open-ended responses about war stressors. The results revealed a high level of self-criticism as the highest indicator among maladaptive coping strategies. Distress indicators were critically high: severe stress, extremely severe anxiety, moderate to severe depression. Correlation analysis established statistically significant links between self-criticism and anxiety, stress, and depression. Self-criticism correlates negatively with adaptive strategies—seeking social support and problem solving–but is positively associated with social withdrawal.

Qualitative analysis identified four categories of manifestations: direct self-criticism (“I blame myself,” “I focus on flaws”), destructive reactions to stress, social isolation, and the military context as a trigger. Neuropsychological mechanisms were analyzed: impaired executive functions and emotional dysregulation in ADHD lead to internalization of criticism and the formation of a vicious circle of «ADHD symptoms – mistakes – self-criticism – distress – worsening symptoms». The results indicate the need for targeted psychotherapeutic interventions with an emphasis on replacing self-criticism with self-compassion, psychoeducation about the neurobiological nature of ADHD, and the creation of support groups for women with ADHD in wartime conditions.