Date of Submission

12-15-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Kimberly S. Creig, Ph.D.

Keywords

ADHD, Proactive Interference, Biological Sex, Long-Term Memory, Working Memory, Neurodevelopment

MeSH

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Sex, Executive Function, Memory, Long-Term, Neurodevelopment

LCSH

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Sex, Executive functions (Neuropsychology), Convergent thinking, Divergent thinking, Long-term memory

Abstract

ADHD is a widespread phenomenon that affects individuals in a variety of ways. Many individuals exhibit strong proactive interference, in which past memories interfere with the memorization and recall of new information. One of the ways symptoms differ is through the biological sex of individuals, although differences in proactive interference have not been studied in relation to sex. This study hypothesized that women with ADHD are better at resisting proactive interference than males with ADHD. The study involved a digital activity in which a series of colored shapes was shown to participants, who identified whether the previously displayed shapes or colors matched the actively displayed ones. The speed and accuracy of responses were recorded alongside the biological sex of participants to determine a higher average level of proactive interference for females rather than males with ADHD. There was a significant difference between response time and accuracy based on interference type and task focus (shape or color). No significance was identified for gender, nor were there any significant interactions involving gender. This may be due to neurodevelopmental differences in individuals with ADHD. This information can be used to further aid in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD across genders.

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