Mohsen Rafikhah, Hamed Moslehi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Deficits in inhibitory control can lead to numerous problems, including academic, social, and occupational difficulties, and may also affect psychological and neuropsychological functions. This study aimed to examine the role of cognitive inhibition in the psychological symptoms of mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2024.
Materials and Methods: Ninety-three mothers were selected through convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, participants were assessed using the Stroop Color–Word Test and the SCL-90-R questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with SPSS version 26.
Results: Correlation and MANOVA results indicated that inhibitory control performance had a strong and significant association with the depression, anxiety, and phobic anxiety subscales (p < 0.001). The observed effect sizes (ranging from 0.39 to 0.67) highlighted the influential role of inhibition as a key underlying mechanism in explaining the variance of these symptoms. No significant relationships were found between inhibition and the other SCL-90-R subscales.
Conclusion: Optimal performance of neuropsychological functions, particularly inhibitory control, can play a vital role in mental health. Accordingly, interventions based on cognitive inhibition training are recommended.
