# Validating the Adult Concentration Inventory for Measuring Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome in an Iranian Population: Insights Into Mental Health and Cognitive Functioning

## TL;DR

The study validated the Adult Concentration Inventory for measuring cognitive disengagement syndrome in Iran, showing it is reliable and effective.

## Contribution

The ACI was validated for use in an Iranian population to assess cognitive disengagement syndrome.

## Key findings

- The ACI's three-factor model (attention problems, sluggishness, mind-wandering) was confirmed in the Iranian population.
- The ACI showed strong convergent validity with depression and executive dysfunction.
- The ACI demonstrated satisfactory divergent validity based on the Fornell-Larcker test.

## Abstract

Recently, research on cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS)—previously known as sluggish cognitive tempo—has expanded considerably. The Adult Concentration Inventory (ACI) is designed to assess CDS, and its psychometric soundness, including validity and reliability, needs to be evaluated across diverse countries and populations.

This study assesses the questionnaire's psychometric properties in Iran. The study included 2855 people, 69% of whom were female and had a mean age of 27.42. The ACI questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and Executive Skills Questionnaire‐Revised (ESQ‐R) were completed in this study.

We found that the three‐factor model (attention problems, sluggishness, and mind‐wandering) matches the questionnaire using exploratory and confirmatory analysis. Based on the fit indices, the original correlated three‐factor model of the ACI was considered adequate: χ
2 = 815.20; df = 101; RMSEA = 0.050; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; IFI = 0.95; SRMR = 0.03.

The results of this study demonstrated that CDS in Iranian society may be measured using the ACI questionnaire.

This study validated the Adult Concentration Inventory (ACI) for assessing Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) in an Iranian population. Data were collected from 2,855 adults (69% female; mean age = 27.42 years). Using the ACI, PHQ‐9, ESQ‐R, and Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale‐IV, a three‐factor structure emerged—Attention Difficulties, Slowness, and Daydreaming. The ACI demonstrated strong convergent validity with depression, slow cognitive tempo, and executive dysfunction, as well as satisfactory divergent validity based on the Fornell‐Larcker test. Overall, the findings confirmed that the ACI is a valid and reliable tool for assessing CDS among Iranian adults.