Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 4 no. 6 (2026)

Digital Attitudes and ADHD Tendencies Among Filipino Generation Z: A Structural Model of Selected Biopsychosocial Factors

Gladys S. Escarlos

Discipline: psychology (non-specific)

 

Abstract:

The increasing integration of digital technology into everyday life has raised concerns about its relationship to cognitive functioning and psychological well-being, particularly among Generation Z. This study examined the associations between digital attitudes and self-reported ADHD tendencies among Filipino Generation Z individuals within a biopsychosocial framework that included sleep quality, coping strategies, and perceived social support. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed involving 527 Filipino participants aged 18–25 years recruited through online convenience sampling. Standardized instruments were utilized, including the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Brief COPE Inventory, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine direct and indirect relationships among variables. Results revealed a significant positive association between digital attitudes and ADHD tendencies. Sleep quality, avoidant coping, emotion-focused coping, and family support were also significantly associated with ADHD tendencies. Poor sleep quality and greater reliance on maladaptive coping strategies were associated with higher ADHD tendencies, whereas stronger family support was associated with lower ADHD tendencies. However, bootstrapped indirect effects demonstrated that sleep quality, coping strategies, and perceived social support did not significantly mediate the relationship between digital attitudes and ADHD tendencies. These findings suggest that biopsychosocial factors may independently relate to attentional tendencies rather than function as mediating mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of adopting a biopsychosocial perspective when examining digital behaviors and attentional functioning among Filipino Generation Z. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify the directionality of these relationships and further refine models of digital engagement and psychological well-being.



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