Distinct neurocognitive fingerprints reflect differential associations with risky and impulsive behavior in a neurotypical sample

Abstract

Engagement in risky and impulsive behavior has long been associated with deficits in neurocognition. However, we have a limited understanding of how multiple subfunctions of neurocognition co-occur within individuals and which combinations of neurocognitive subfunctions are most relevant for risky and impulsive behavior. Using the neurotypical Nathan Kline Institute Rockland Sample (N = 673), we applied a Bayesian latent feature learning model—the Indian Buffet Process—to identify nuanced, individual-specific profiles of multiple neurocognitive subfunctions and examine their relationship to risky and impulsive behavior. All features were within a relatively normative range of neurocognition; however, there was subtle variability related to risky and impulsive behaviors. The relatively overall poorer neurocognition feature correlated with greater affective impulsivity and substance use patterns/problems. The poorer episodic memory and emotion feature correlated with greater trait externalizing and sensation-seeking. The poorer attention feature correlated with increased trait externalizing and negative urgency but decreased positive urgency and substance use. Finally, the average or mixed features negatively correlated with various risky and impulsive behaviors. Estimating nuanced patterns of co-occurring neurocognitive functions can inform our understanding of a continuum of risky and impulsive behaviors.