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General trait and workplace fear of missing out (FoMO) and the neurodiverse mind: Exploring autism, ADHD, and internal representation profiles
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- McKee, Paul (Author)
- Boulhadi, Khaoula (Author)
- Nadelhoffer, Thomas (Author)
Title
General trait and workplace fear of missing out (FoMO) and the neurodiverse mind: Exploring autism, ADHD, and internal representation profiles
Abstract
The fear of missing out (FoMO)—the apprehension that others are having rewarding experiences in one's absence—has been linked to diminished well-being and maladaptive behaviors. While research has primarily focused on neurotypical populations, little is known about how FoMO associates with and manifests in neurodiverse cognitive profiles. The present study examined associations between general and workplace FoMO and individual differences in ADHD symptoms, autistic traits, and internal cognitive representation styles (visual imagery, internal verbalization, representational manipulation) in a U.S. sample of full-time employees ( N = 302). Across both regression and machine learning analyses, ADHD symptoms emerged as the most robust and consistent predictor of FoMO in both domains. Visual imagery significantly predicted general FoMO, whereas internal verbalization and representational manipulation showed stronger associations with workplace FoMO. Autistic traits, as measured by the AQ-10, were not significantly related to FoMO. Classification models (e.g., logistic regression, SVM) distinguished high versus low FoMO participants with moderate-to-high accuracy, with ADHD symptoms consistently ranked as the most influential feature. These findings extend the literature by highlighting domain-specific predictors of FoMO and the potential of neurodiversity-informed approaches for understanding and addressing FoMO in both social and occupational settings. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.
Publication
Personality and Individual Differences
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Date
2026
Volume
257
Journal Abbr
Pers. Individ. Differ.
Citation Key
mckeeGeneralTraitWorkplace2026
ISSN
0191-8869
Short Title
General trait and workplace fear of missing out (FoMO) and the neurodiverse mind
Language
English
Library Catalog
Scopus
Citation
McKee, P., Boulhadi, K., & Nadelhoffer, T. (2026). General trait and workplace fear of missing out (FoMO) and the neurodiverse mind: Exploring autism, ADHD, and internal representation profiles. Personality and Individual Differences, 257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2026.113749
Department
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