Higher Levels Of Sensation Seeking Research Articles

Substance use in incarcerated male offenders: Predictive validity of a personality typology of substance misusers

IntroductionSubstance use and misuse is highly prevalent in offenders, and a significant proportion of convicted offenders continue to use controlled substances during incarceration. Few studies have focused on the identification of variables, especially personality characteristics, that may be predictive of institutional substance use. The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of the Substance Use Risk Profile (SURP) personality typology in a sample of male offenders and to determine whether it may have utility in identifying offenders at risk for substance use during incarceration. MethodsA total of 118 offenders across all provincial and federal institutions in New Brunswick, Canada completed questionnaires assessing personality, mental health symptoms, substance use motives, and substance use. ResultsLatent class cluster analysis revealed the presence of three distinct clusters of offenders based on severity of substance use, personality, and mental health symptoms. Survival analysis indicated a significant effect of levels of sensation seeking, a trend of cluster membership, and anxiety sensitivity on days until first institutional substance use. Conclusion: High levels of sensation seeking and low anxiety sensitivity appear to indicate increased risk for substance misuse in this population.

Dual Trajectories of Reactive and Proactive Aggression from Mid-childhood to Early Adolescence: Relations to Sensation Seeking, Risk Taking, and Moral Reasoning

We examined the roles of sensation seeking, risk taking, and moral reasoning in the development of reactive and proactive aggression. Data were drawn from a multiethnic, longitudinal study of children from Switzerland (N = 1571; 52% male; assessed annually over 6years; 7-years-old at Time 1). At all 6 time points, teachers reported children's reactive and proactive aggression via questionnaire. Children's sensation seeking (at Time 1) and risk taking (at Time 2) were assessed with two interactive computer tasks and their moral reasoning was assessed at Time 2 in response to four hypothetical vignettes depicting moral transgressions. Parallel process Latent Class Growth Analysis (PP-LCGA) identified six dual trajectories of reactive and proactive aggression. Children with either childhood-limited or adolescent-onset aggression showed high sensation seeking. Children with persistent, high levels of both reactive and proactive aggression across time showed high levels of sensation seeking and risk taking, as well as low levels of moral reasoning. Children with only high risk taking were more likely to display moderate levels of aggression across time. These findings highlight the shared and differential roles of sensation seeking, risk taking, and moral reasoning in the dual development of reactive and proactive aggression from mid-childhood to early adolescence. We discuss implications for common and tailored strategies to combat these aggression subtypes.

How do impulsivity traits influence problem gambling through gambling motives? The role of perceived gambling risk/benefits.

Although substantial research suggests that motivations have been found to mediate the relationships between impulsivity traits and various forms of substance use, no studies have examined how gambling motives may mediate the relationships between impulsivity traits and problem gambling. The primary purpose of this study was to test an integrative model linking impulsivity traits and gambling problems, evaluating the mediating effects of gambling motives. Participants were 594 students (73% male; age, M = 19.92 years; SD = 2.91) enrolled in public high schools or universities. Young people who tend to act rashly in response to extremely positive moods showed higher enhancement and coping motives, which in turn were positively related to gambling problems. Individuals with higher levels of sensation seeking were more likely to have higher levels of enhancement motives, which in turn were also positively related to gambling problems. The model was examined in several groups, separately for the level of perceived gambling risk/benefits (lower perceived gambling risk, higher perceived gambling risk, lower perceived gambling benefits, and higher perceived gambling benefits). There were significant differences between these groups for this division. These findings suggest that prevention and/or treatment strategies might need to consider the model's variables, including impulsivity traits and gambling motives, in accordance with individual levels of perceived gambling risk/benefits.

Latent Class Analysis of Gambling Activities in a Sample of Young Swiss Men: Association with Gambling Problems, Substance Use Outcomes, Personality Traits and Coping Strategies.

The study aimed to identify different patterns of gambling activities (PGAs) and to investigate how PGAs differed in gambling problems, substance use outcomes, personality traits and coping strategies. A representative sample of 4989 young Swiss males completed a questionnaire assessing seven distinct gambling activities, gambling problems, substance use outcomes, personality traits and coping strategies. PGAs were identified using latent class analysis (LCA). Differences between PGAs in gambling and substance use outcomes, personality traits and coping strategies were tested. LCA identified six different PGAs. With regard to gambling and substance use outcomes, the three most problematic PGAs were extensive gamblers, followed by private gamblers, and electronic lottery and casino gamblers, respectively. By contrast, the three least detrimental PGAs were rare or non-gamblers, lottery only gamblers and casino gamblers. With regard to personality traits, compared with rare or non-gamblers, private and casino gamblers reported higher levels of sensation seeking. Electronic lottery and casino gamblers, private gamblers and extensive gamblers had higher levels of aggression-hostility. Extensive and casino gamblers reported higher levels of sociability, whereas casino gamblers reported lower levels of anxiety-neuroticism. Extensive gamblers used more maladaptive and less adaptive coping strategies than other groups. Results suggest that gambling is not a homogeneous activity since different types of gamblers exist according to the PGA they are engaged in. Extensive gamblers, electronic and casino gamblers and private gamblers may have the most problematic PGAs. Personality traits and coping skills may predispose individuals to PGAs associated with more or less negative outcomes.

Impulsivity and reasons for living among African American youth: a risk-protection framework of suicidal ideation.

This study aims to explore the impact of specific facets of impulsivity as measured by the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS), as well as reasons for living in predicting suicidal ideation among African American college-aged students. The incremental validity of each facet of the UPPS interacting with reasons for living, a construct meant to buffer against risk for suicide, was explored in a sample of African American students (N = 130; ages 18–24). Results revealed significant interactions between reasons for living and two factors of impulsivity, (lack of) premeditation and sensation seeking. Higher levels of sensation seeking and lack of premeditation in conjunction with lower reasons for living was associated with increased suicidal ideation. Neither urgency nor (lack of) perseverance significantly interacted with reasons for living in association with suicidal ideation. These results suggest including elements of impulsivity, specifically sensation seeking and (lack of) premeditation, when screening for suicidal ideation among African American youth. Future investigations should continue to integrate factors of both risk and protection when determining risk for suicide.

An exploratory study assessing reasons behind initiation, continuation or stoppage of alcohol after first use

Objective: Few studies have investigated the reasons for alcohol initiation and continuation. The present study examined reasons for trying alcohol for the first time and its subsequent use. Furthermore, the study attempted to discover the possible predictors that make an individual vulnerable to alcohol use. Methodology: A total of 280 first-year college students from six different colleges were contacted. Using the method of equal probability, every third subject from each class was selected. All the selected subjects were interviewed and administered semi-structured questionnaire for gathering information regarding their experience with alcohol. Results: In our study, experimentation and peer pressure were found to be the main reasons for both alcohol use and its re-use. The first time drinkers differed a lot from those with multiple users in terms of reasons for trying alcohol, the effect of alcohol, family history of alcohol use, and self-view about alcohol use. The results depicted that the gender, educational stream, and family history of alcohol use are the factors that make an individual vulnerable to alcohol use. Conclusion: First-year of college is a unique transitional period. First-year students with high levels of sensation seeking may be especially at high-risk to begin or escalate heavy drinking. Studying the nature of alcohol initiation may not only be helpful in planning awareness programs but also in preventing underage drinking and alcohol abuse.

Psychopathological profiles of adolescent and young adult problematic Facebook users

BackgroundThe dramatic increase in the use of the Facebook in recent years has led to problematic use. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to explore the psychopathological profiles of Facebook users. Participants and methodThe sample consisted of 456 adolescents and young adults aged from 12 to 25 with a Facebook account. They answered to an online self-questionnaire assessing Facebook use, motives for Facebook use, depressive symptoms, social anxiety, sensation seeking, borderline personality traits, parental bonding and attachment, and peer attachment. ResultsA three-cluster solution was identified among Facebook users. The first cluster, called “borderline” was well above the mean on borderline traits, depressive symptoms, social anxiety and sensation seeking. Another cluster, labeled “sensation seeking” was distinguished by high levels of sensation seeking and low levels of other psychopathological variables. The third cluster, called “low traits” was well below the mean on all psychopathological symptoms. DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first study that examined associations between problematic Facebook use, motives, attachment and psychopathological symptoms among a sample of adolescents and young adults, using a person-centered approach. This social network could become an indicator of psychopathological features among adolescents and young adults.

Sensation Seeking and Cocaine Dependence in Adults With Reported Childhood ADHD

Objective: To compare measures of sensation seeking in a clinical group of cocaine-dependent (CD) patients with and without a history of probable childhood ADHD and in non-cocaine-dependent (NCD) healthy volunteers. Method: Patients (n = 75; 42 with and 33 without probable childhood ADHD) and comparisons (n = 84) were assessed with the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies, the Wender Utah Rating Scale for childhood ADHD, and the Zuckerman Seeking Sensation Scale. Results: We found significantly higher prevalence rates of probable childhood ADHD in CD versus NCD (p < .001). The mean total scores of sensation seeking were significantly higher in CD versus NCD participants (p < .001) as well as in CD patients with versus those without a probable history of childhood ADHD (p < .001). Conclusion: Our study sets the basis for longitudinal investigation assessing whether the persistence of high level of sensation seeking in adults with childhood ADHD contributes to the transition to cocaine dependence.

Sensation Seeking and Self-efficacy Effect on Adolescents Risky Driving and Substance Abuse

Purpose of the article: to investigate the matching effect of self-efficacy and sensation seeking on three health risk behaviors in adolescents: risky driving, alcohol use, and marijuana use. Methods 330 Italian adolescents completed the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking, Perceived Self-Regulatory Efficacy Scale, and Health Behavior Questionnaire (for risky driving, alcohol and marijuana use). Results Engagement in all health risk behaviors was statistically higher in adolescents with high level of Sensation Seeking and low level of Self-efficacy and was lowest in the group with low Sensation seeking and high Self-efficacy. Conclusions In adolescents it is likely that combination of high Sensation seeking and low Self-efficacy is a health risk factor, whereas low Sensation Seeking and high Self-efficacy is a health protective factor.

Znaczenie impulsywności dla stopnia zaangażowania młodych mężczyzn w picie alkoholu

IntroductionImpulsivity is one of the most important personality predictors of risky drinking and alcohol addiction. However, this feature is not homogeneous and has complex determinants. Whiteside and Lynam as well as Cyders et al distinguished five facets of impulsivity: negative and positive urgency, lack of premeditation (lack of planning or deliberation), lack of perseverance and sensation seeking. The aim of the study was to determine the importance of all facets of impulsivity for the involvement of young men in drinking alcohol. MethodsImpulsivity was measured through the use of UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (Whiteside and Lynam, Cyders et al) and the level of drinking involvement was estimated using the Poprawa's Alcohol Use Scale. The research was conducted on a sample of 603 man aged 16 to 26. ResultsSix types of young man were distinguished with cluster analysis. They differ in the level of impulsivity aspect intensification. It was found that two types of young man are most involved in drinking. Type 1 men were characterised by an extremely high level of urgency, lack of premeditation and perseverance and extremely high level of sensation seeking, motivated to drink mainly to enhance positive mood (antisocial type). Type 2 men were characterised by high level of urgency, lack of premeditation and perseverance but low level of sensation seeking, motivated to drink mainly to escape from negative mood (neurotic type). ConclusionsHigh intensity of sensation seeking is not necessary to involve young men in risky alcohol drinking. It is one of the features that can diversify “antisocial” and “neurotic” personality type predisposed to problem drinking, where urgency plays a cardinal role. Also, a type of men who are not impulsive, with high ability of self-control, emotion regulation and ability to cope with stress, capable of being prudent and persistent and moderately seeking sensations was distinguished. These features act as “protection” against risky and harmful involvement in drinking.

Sexually Oriented Television Viewing and Adolescents' Attitude Toward Uncommitted Sexual Exploration in Belgium: The Moderating Role of Sensation Seeking and Gender

This study examines how viewing sexual content on television and sensation seeking are related to girls' and boys' attitude toward uncommitted sexual exploration using data from a two-wave panel study with a six-month interval (N = 1,096) in Belgium. Hierarchical regression analyses showed a positive three-way interaction effect demonstrating that sensation seeking has a decreasing effect on the relationship between viewing sexual content on television and attitude toward uncommitted sexual exploration among boys, but an increasing effect among girls. More specifically, girls who showed higher levels of sensation seeking and boys who showed lower levels of sensation seeking appeared to be more susceptible to the negative influence of viewing sexual content on television viewing on their attitude toward uncommitted sexual exploration. However, higher levels of sensation seeking among boys and lower levels of sensation seeking among girls decreased the risks of viewing sexual content on television. Adolescent risk-groups defined by sexual television viewing, sensation seeking, and gender are discussed.

Personality and risky downhill sports: Associations with impulsivity dimensions

Studies show high-risk sports participants report higher levels of Sensation Seeking compared to non-participants, but few have explored other aspects of impulsivity. Using principal component scores to summarize measures of Reward Sensitivity, Punishment Sensitivity, and Rash Impulsivity we compared downhill sport participants (both beginner and proficient) to non-participants in an undergraduate sample (N=279, 50% female). Downhill sport participants scored significantly higher on Reward Sensitivity, possibly driven by the anticipatory approach facets of the BAS, and proficient participants scored significantly lower on Punishment Sensitivity than beginners and non-participants, driven by traits related more closely to fear than anxiety. No differences were found in Rash Impulsivity. Popular high-risk sports may serve as an important example of an exception to the co-occurrence of common impulsive traits.

Neurocognitive, psychological and behavioral correlates of binge drinking and use of alcohol with caffeinated beverages in college-aged adults

Background: We examined event-related potential (ERP), behavioral and psychological correlates of binge drinking and the use of alcohol mixed with caffeinated beverages (AmCBs) in college-aged (18–26 years) adults. Objective: Our objective was to delineate the neurocognitive correlates of different patterns of risky alcohol use in this population. Methods: We collected ERP data while an initial sample of 60 participants completed visual oddball and go/no-go tasks. We also collected self-report data measuring levels of sensation seeking, impulsivity, and drinking-induced disinhibition. In our primary analyses between binge drinker (N = 17) and comparison participants (N = 29), we used analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to control for monthly marijuana usage and excluded participants who reported using other illicit drugs. As separate, exploratory analyses, we compared participants who reported using AmCBs (n = 14) and those who did not (n = 46), co-varying for monthly marijuana and recreational drug use. Results: We found that binge drinkers and AmCB users reported significantly higher levels of sensation seeking and drinking-induced disinhibition. In addition, we found that binge drinkers exhibited greater P3a/b amplitudes in the oddball task. In contrast, AmCB users exhibited significantly attenuated P3a amplitudes to distracter stimuli in the oddball task. However, we found no statistically significant differences in the amplitudes of P2(00) or N2(00) components between binge drinkers and comparison participants or between AmCB users and nonusers. Conclusions: Overall, these data suggest that binge drinking and AmCB use are associated with P3 alterations, but the specific effects may differ for individuals with different patterns of risky alcohol use.

Patología dual y rasgos de personalidad: situación actual y líneas futuras de trabajo

Dual diagnosis (DD) is the co-occurrence, in the same person, of a mental disorder (MD) and a substance use disorder (SUD). Nowadays, the study of the personality with DD is realized mainly from a categorical view, focusing on the detection of personality disorders and not on the traits associated to DD and the possible differential profile compared to those patients with only MD or SUD. Studies analyzing personality traits of patients with DD and their possible differential profile are very limited. However, existing data indicates that DD patients show higher levels of Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, Harm Avoidance and Neuroticism; and lower levels of Persistence, Self-Direction, Self-Transcendence and Cooperation. Therefore, DD is associated to personality characteristics that suggest more disruptive behaviors, fewer resources for recovering and keeping abstinent and worse prognosis compared to those with only one disorder. Progress in the characterization of personality traits in DD, taking into consideration the methodological aspects to be improved could allow better adaptation of the integrated treatment of these patients in the future.

Psychographic Segments of College Females and Males in Relation to Substance Use Behaviors.

A common commercial marketing segmentation technique is to divide a population into groups based on psychographic characteristics (i.e., attitudes and interests). We used this approach to define segments of female and male college students and examine substance use differences. We administered an online survey to 24,055 students at six colleges in the Southeastern United States (response rate 20.1%, n = 4,840), obtaining complete data from 3,469 participants. We assessed sociodemographics, psychographic factors such as those used by the tobacco industry to define market segments, and substance use (cigarettes, other tobacco products, alcohol, and marijuana). Cluster analysis was conducted among females and males using 15 psychographic measures (sensation seeking, Big Five personality traits, and nine measures adapted from tobacco industry documents), identifying three segments per sex. Safe responsibles were characterized by high levels of agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, academic achievement, and religious service attendance. Stoic individualists were characterized by low extraversion, sensation seeking, and openness. Thrill-seeking socializers were characterized by high levels of sensation seeking and extraversion. Among females, thrill-seeking socializers were significantly more likely than safe responsibles to have used any substance in the prior 30 days (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.65, 2.52]; Nagelkerke R2 = .084). Among males, stoic individualists (OR = 1.50, CI [1.08, 2.08]) and thrill-seeking socializers (OR = 1.53, CI [1.09, 2.13]) were more likely than safe responsibles to have used substances in the past 30 days (Nagelkerke R2: .109). Psychographic segmentation can identify young adult subgroups with differing psychographic and substance use profiles and inform health campaigns and messaging targeting youth.

The Role of Sensation Seeking in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major health concern across the lifespan, yet much remains unknown about the possible causes and functions of this behavior. The goal of the current study was to examine the role of multiple facets of sensation seeking in NSSI among a sample of 1,648 undergraduate students (70.5 % female). It was hypothesized that individuals endorsing higher levels of sensation seeking, as measured at the trait level by assessing individual differences in Risk Seeking and Experience Seeking and with a functional assessment of sensation seeking as it relates to NSSI, specifically, would engage in more acts of NSSI and more types of NSSI, and would also be more likely to engage in specific types of NSSI. Results of negative binomial and logistic regressions provided partial support for study hypotheses. After controlling for Emotional Reactivity in all analyses, individuals higher in Risk Seeking were significantly more likely to have a history of NSSI and have engaged in more acts of NSSI. On the contrary, Experience Seeking did not significantly predict lifetime engagement in NSSI, and this facet, as well as Sensation Seeking Function significantly negatively predicted engagement in more acts of NSSI. Furthermore, only Sensation Seeking Function predicted the use of more types of NSSI methods. All three sensation seeking variables predicted the use of specific NSSI behaviors. Results suggest that risk seeking, in particular, may be most relevant to NSSI, as it consistently predicted lifetime NSSI, number of acts, and specific methods of NSSI. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Impulsive sensation seeking and gambling practice among a sample of online poker players: Comparison between non pathological, problem and pathological gamblers

The aims of this study are to assess impulsive sensation seeking among online poker players and to study the links between impulsive sensation seeking and gambling practice.One hundred and eighty (180) regular online poker players (i.e. playing at least once a week for a minimum duration of one year) completed three self-report scales on line assessing pathological gambling (SOGS), poker practice (poker questionnaire) and impulsive sensation seeking (ImpSS scale). Based on the SOGS scores, participants were divided into three groups: non-pathological gamblers (n=112), problem gamblers (n=37) and pathological gamblers (n=31).The impulsive sensation seeking scores of all the poker players are high. They all display high levels of sensation seeking, regardless of their intensity of gambling. However, pathological gamblers are more impulsive than problem and non-pathological gamblers. Impulsivity is a good predictor for pathological gambling.Online poker players are high sensation seekers who gamble to experience strong feelings and arousal, whereas impulsivity plays an important role in developing and maintaining pathological gambling. This study underlines the psychological specificities of online poker players and the need to take into account impulsive sensation seeking not only in the research on pathological gambling poker players but also in the development of preventive action.

Nicotine Dependence among Patients Examined in Emergency after a Suicide Attempt

Background: To assess the prevalence of nicotine dependence in a population of patients examined following a suicide attempt and to compare suicide attempts with and without nicotine dependence. Methods: 200 patients were examined in an emergency department after a suicide attempt. They answered the MAST and the Fagerström questionnaire, and the DSM-IV-TR criteria for alcohol and nicotine were checked. We also assessed socio-demographic characteristics, the mode of suicide attempt and level of sensation seeking. Results: The prevalence of nicotine dependence was 57% among suicide attempters. Suicide attempters with nicotine dependence were more often men (42 vs. 12%, p=0.001), single (67 vs. 32%, p=0.008) and had taken alcohol before suicide. They were often multi-attempters (2.7 vs. 1 suicide attempt in their history) and had been more often hospitalized in psychiatry (1.9 vs. 0.6 hospitalization, p<0.001) than others. They drank more alcohol (3.7 vs. 0.7 drinks/ day, p<0.001), presented more alcohol dependence and abuse (36 vs. 8%, p<0.00001) and had a higher level of sensation seeking. Factors associated to nicotine dependence were male gender, ingestion of alcohol before suicide attempt, number of previous suicide attempts and number of alcohol intoxication per week. Conclusion: 57% of the patients examined after a suicide attempt present nicotine dependence. Emergency units may provide an opportunity to systematically identify a dependence disorder and to offer appropriate information and treatment.

An Investigation of Factors Increasing the Risk of Aggressive Behavior among Schizophrenic Inpatients

Aim of the study: This study tried to identify risk factors of aggressive behavior in a population of schizophrenic inpatients. We tested the association between aggressive behavior and socio-demographic characteristics, addictive disorders, history of suicide attempt, and sexual violence, impulsivity, and sensation seeking.Methods: All consecutive schizophrenic inpatients (100) were assessed during 6 months. Aggressive behavior was quantified with a standardized scale, the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS). We studied socio-demographic characteristics and the history of suicide attempt and sexual violence with a specific standardized questionnaire. Addictive disorders were identified with the Fagerström and CAGE questionnaires and with the DSM-IV-R diagnostic criteria for nicotine, alcohol, cannabis opiates, and cocaine abuse and dependence disorders. Lastly, we studied sensation seeking with the Zuckerman scale and impulsivity with the Barratt scale.Results: Linear regression identified four factors associated with aggressive behavior: male gender (odd ratio = 12.8), history of sexual violence (odd ratio = 3.6), Fagerström score (odd ratio = 1.3), number of cigarettes smoked each day (odd ratio = 1.16). Patients with nicotine use or dependence had significantly higher levels of OAS scores. This difference was not observed between patients with or without alcohol dependence. OAS scores were correlated to the number of cigarettes smoked each day and to Fagerström scores. Patients with a higher level of sensation seeking and impulsivity also had higher OAS scores.Conclusion: A typical schizophrenic patient at risk of showing aggressive behavior is a man, who smokes and presents a history of sexual violence.

Ego Depletion Increases Risk-Taking

ABSTRACT We investigated how the availability of self-control resources affects risk-taking inclinations and behaviors. We proposed that risk-taking often occurs from suboptimal decision processes and heuristic information processing (e.g., when a smoker suppresses or neglects information about the health risks of smoking). Research revealed that depleted self-regulation resources are associated with reduced intellectual performance and reduced abilities to regulate spontaneous and automatic responses (e.g., control aggressive responses in the face of frustration). The present studies transferred these ideas to the area of risk-taking. We propose that risk-taking is increased when individuals find themselves in a state of reduced cognitive self-control resources (ego-depletion). Four studies supported these ideas. In Study 1, ego-depleted participants reported higher levels of sensation seeking than non-depleted participants. In Study 2, ego-depleted participants showed higher levels of risk-tolerance in critical road traffic situations than non-depleted participants. In Study 3, we ruled out two alternative explanations for these results: neither cognitive load nor feelings of anger mediated the effect of ego-depletion on risk-taking. Finally, Study 4 clarified the underlying psychological process: ego-depleted participants feel more cognitively exhausted than non-depleted participants and thus are more willing to take risks. Discussion focuses on the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.