As I was looking into ADHD-related positive traits, one that came up was a sense of justice and unfairness. It is also called justice sensitivity.
It is not something I was very familiar with and decided to learn about it. So, let me share what I learned.
What Is Justice Sensitivity?
First, let me explain what justice sensitivity means.
In her article found on addept.com, Marcy Caldwell writes, “Justice sensitivity is the tendency to notice and identify wrong-doing and injustice and have intense cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to that injustice.”
People with this type of sensitivity will notice injustice more than others. They may keep thinking about it and have a stronger need to do something about it.
Here are some things that those with justice sensitivity may feel and experience.
- Strong drive to restore justice
- Feeling hopeless about large-scale issues in the world
- Indignation about injustice done to others.
- Seeing injustice where others do not
These are just a few examples.
ADHD & Justice Sensitivity
Several studies have been done to look into justice sensitivity among those with ADHD. These studies have found that children and adults with ADHD (especially the inattentive type) are a lot more justice sensitive than their neurotypical peers.
Many with ADHD also mention noticing feeling strongly about injustice and unfairness.
Why Is This the Case?
There are several explanations why this may be.
- History of personal injustice and unfairness
- Filterless Brain. The ADHD brain doesn’t screen out details or information as well as the neurotypical brain.
- Intuitive and sensitive processing. The ADHD brain is hypersensitive and intuitive.
- Developmental lag among those with ADHD.
This is why many with ADHD will mention that they have this strong sense of injustice and unfairness.
Impact & Change
Justice sensitivity can affect someone’s mood, productivity, and energy levels, when someone starts going down the rabbit hole and doomscrolls. It can have an impact on these things, and not always in a good way.
In her article for additudemag.com, Marcy Caldwell writes, “This is because those with ADHD are more likely to ruminate, and to feel anger, helplessness, and despair that injustice can trigger, preventing them from moving on to other tasks and potentially affect their mental health.”
However, when harnessed, our frustration and sadness can come in handy. Instead of letting your emotions be all consuming, find ways to take small actions and do something positive. Find any way that you can make a difference.
It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. Just find ways that you can take action and make a difference.
