Perceived Trustworthiness as a Pathway Linking ADHD Traits to Large Language Models Dependency: Evidence from UK and Chinese Samples

Author First name, Last name, Institution

• Ala Yankouskaya, Bournemouth University
• Mohammad Amin Kuhail, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus
• Haibo Yang, Tianjin Normal University
• Xiaokun Wang, University of Science and Technology Beijing
• Jiaojiao Chen, Tianjin Normal University
• Tina Yunsi Ma, The Education University of Hong Kong
• Sameha AlShakhsi, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, College of Science and Engineering
• Guandong Xu, The Education University of Hong Kong
• Raian Ali, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, College of Science and Engineering

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

International Journal of Human Computer Interaction

Publication Date

8-6-2026

Abstract

Large language models (LLMs) create contexts in which individual differences may shape reliance on digital systems. Drawing on neurodiversity, this study examined whether perceived trustworthiness of user’s primary LLM mediates associations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits and LMM dependencyinstrumental and relationship LLM dependency. Adults in the UK (n = 567) and China (n = 577) reported ADHD traits, perceived LLM trustworthiness of LLM, and both types of dependency. Across samples, higher ADHD traits were associated with lower trustworthiness, whereas greater trustworthiness was associated with greater instrumental and relationship dependency, yielding negative indirect effects. In the UK, direct ADHD-dependency associations were non-significant after controlling for trust, and mediation produces a significant negative total effect for relationship dependency. In China, negative indirect effect coexisted with positive direct associations, creating opposing pathways whose total effects depends on their relative magnitude. Implications for inclusive LLM design without unintendend dependency and supporting neurodiverse users are discussed.

DOI Link

10.1080/10447318.2026.2707709

ISSN

1044-7318

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

ADHD, inclusive LLMs design, LLMs dependency, neurodiversity, perceived trustworthiness

Scopus ID

105046840195

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Yankouskaya, Ala; Kuhail, Mohammad Amin; Yang, Haibo; Wang, Xiaokun; Chen, Jiaojiao; Ma, Tina Yunsi; AlShakhsi, Sameha; Xu, Guandong; and Ali, Raian, "Perceived Trustworthiness as a Pathway Linking ADHD Traits to Large Language Models Dependency: Evidence from UK and Chinese Samples" (2026). All Works. 8139.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/8139

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Hybrid: This publication is openly available in a subscription-based journal/series