Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, and Academic Performance in Reading and Mathematics: Exploring Academic Enablers as a Mediator

The goal of the current study was to investigate the role of academic enablers on the association between symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity and academic achievement. There were 395 3rd through 5th grade students (48% boys). Students self-rated behavioral symptoms and classroom teachers completed ratings of academic enablers. Achievement was modeled as a latent variable including CBM probes, teacher ratings of academic skills, and student grades. Results indicated that (a) inattention was negatively associated with academic enablers and academic performance, (b) inattention had a small negative direct and indirect association with math outcomes in most models, while hyperactivity/impulsivity demonstrated showed a small, negative indirect association in one model, (c) and inattention had a small negative indirect association with reading in three models; hyperactivity/impulsivity demonstrated a small indirect association with reading in one model. This study points to the role of academic enabling behaviors in partially explaining the association between inattention and academic underachievement.