A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals notable differences in music listening habits between young adults who screen positive for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and their neurotypical peers.
The research indicates that individuals with ADHD symptoms are more likely to listen to background music during both cognitively demanding and routine activities and show a marked preference for stimulating music regardless of the task.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While often identified in childhood, many continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, which can impair attention, task management, and emotional regulation.
Although stimulant medications are commonly prescribed, alternative coping strategies, including environmental modifications like music, have drawn research interest.
The study was led by doctoral candidates Kelly-Ann Lachance and Pénélope Pelland-Goulet, together with clinical neuropsychologist and professor Nathalie Gosselin at the University of Montreal. Their objective was to investigate everyday music use among young adults with and without ADHD symptoms, particularly during tasks requiring concentration.
“We aimed to explore real-world listening habits, since prior studies mostly relied on laboratory settings,” the researchers explained. This inquiry was inspired by a longstanding question posed to Dr. Gosselin by a parent wondering if background music aids a teenager with attention difficulties while studying.
The research team surveyed 434 participants aged 17 to 30, assessing their music listening frequency, preferences, and perceived cognitive and emotional effects of background music. A standardized screening tool identified those with ADHD symptoms, dividing participants into two groups.
Results showed that most young adults use background music both for challenging cognitive tasks—like studying and problem-solving—and simpler activities such as cleaning or exercising. However, those screening positive for ADHD reported listening to music more frequently during study and exercise, as well as during low-effort tasks overall.
“Distinct patterns emerged,” the researchers noted. “Participants with ADHD symptoms preferred stimulating music across all activity types, whereas neurotypical individuals favored relaxing music during cognitively demanding tasks and stimulating music during less demanding ones.”
These findings support the Moderate Brain Arousal model, which proposes that individuals with ADHD have lower baseline brain arousal and may use external stimuli, like music, to optimize their focus and reduce distraction. Stimulating music is thought to engage the brain’s reward pathways and increase dopamine release, thereby enhancing attention.
Further, both groups reported that background music improved their concentration and mood. Interestingly, the perceived benefits did not significantly differ between those with and without ADHD symptoms, suggesting that while ADHD individuals use music more often, they do not necessarily experience stronger effects.
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