Adi Stern

Little is known about the relationships among attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, food-preparation skills, executive functions (EFs), and quality of life (QoL) in adults. This study examined differences between adults with and without ADHD regarding food-preparation skills and their relationships with EFs and QoL. The study included 63 adults with ADHD (mean age = 39 ± 11 years) and 101 without ADHD (mean age = 43 ± 10 years). Participants completed standardized self-report measures of ADHD symptoms (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale [ASRS]), food-preparation skills (Cooking and Food Provisioning Action Scale [CAFPAS]), EFs (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version [BRIEF-A]), and QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL]). Adults with ADHD reported lower food-preparation self-efficacy (d = −0.47, p < .001). An integrated mediation model showed a differentiated pattern of indirect associations, with metacognitive abilities more consistently linked to food-preparation and behavioral regulation more salient for QoL. Results advance understanding of occupation by demonstrating how EFs mediate engagement in food preparation and suggest exploring additional factors influencing this daily activity.