Self-efficacy for self-regulated learning in adolescents with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

•Female youth with ADHD reported lower SESRL beliefs than females without ADHD.•Male youth with ADHD reported more positive SESRL beliefs than females with ADHD.•More positive SESRL beliefs were related to higher achievement and lower internalizing scores.•Inattention predicted SESRL beliefs controlling for the mediating variables.

This study examined the self-efficacy for self-regulated learning (SESRL) beliefs of male and female youth with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and explored the contribution of youth self-reports of inattention, internalizing symptoms, and academic achievement to SESRL beliefs. Thirty-one youth with ADHD (18 males, 13 females) and 31 youth without ADHD (17 males, 14 females) aged 13 to 18 completed measures of self-efficacy, ADHD symptomatology, achievement, and internalizing problems. Female youth with ADHD reported the lowest levels of confidence in their ability to self-regulate their learning. Male youth with ADHD reported similar levels of SESRL beliefs as youth without ADHD. A multiple mediation analysis with the full sample revealed that internalizing symptoms and academic achievement did not mediate the relationship between self-reported inattention symptoms and SESRL beliefs. The findings suggest a need for ongoing research into the SESRL beliefs of youth with ADHD.