Introduction: This study examined the relationship between attachment styles and parental sense of competence in parents of children with ADHD, with dyadic adjustment as a mediator.
Method: The study employed correlation-based structural equation modeling. Population consisted of parents of children with ADHD in Isfahan in 2021-2022, and 150 couples were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Parental Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC), Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS) developed by Collins and Read, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) developed by Spanier. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS-3.
Results: Dyadic adjustment significantly mediated the relationships of closeness and dependence attachment with parental sense of competence among mothers of children with ADHD. However, the indirect effect of anxious attachment was not significant. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in the direct relationships of closeness attachment and dyadic adjustment with parental sense of competence, as well as the indirect relationship between dependence attachment and parental sense of competence through dyadic adjustment.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of relational processes in understanding parental sense of competence among parents of children with ADHD. They underscore the role of the couple relationship in shaping parents’ experiences of competence when raising a child with ADHD.