Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Life Satisfaction in Emerging Adults: Social Opportunity Anxiety and ADHD/ADD Compared to Overall Life Satisfaction in College-Age Students

Publication Date

Fall 11-24-2025

SURS Faculty Advisor

Dr. Abigail Heller

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

Life satisfaction refers to an evaluation done by the participant of their life on the basis of their own standards (Diener et al., 1985). Fear of missing out (FOMO) is particularly widespread among adolescents and emerging adults, as increased social media activity heightens the pressure to maintain social connections (Davis et al., 2023). FOMO is negatively related to life satisfaction (Deniz, 2021). Individuals with ADHD/ADD may be more likely to experience low life satisfaction (Chao et al., 2008) as well as higher levels of FOMO due to increased sensitivity to rejection (Gupta, 2021). This study examined the relationship between ADHD/ADD diagnosis and life satisfaction via FOMO as a mediator in emerging adults. In this study, emerging adults recruited via Prolific (N = 50; Mage = 25.08) filled out a survey on Qualtrics that measured demographics, ADHD/ADD diagnosis, FOMO, and life satisfaction. Results indicated that those with ADHD/ADD did not have higher rates of FOMO compared to those without ADHD/ADD. Furthermore, those with ADHD/ADD and those without did not show any difference in overall life satisfaction. It was also found that higher levels of FOMO and low life satisfaction had no significant correlation. These results suggest that the indirect effect of ADHD/ADD on life satisfaction via FOMO was not significant.

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