Impulsive Personality Research Articles

Tryptophan hydroxylase 1 gene polymorphisms alter prefrontal cortex activation during response inhibition.

The tryptophan hydroxylase 1 gene (TPH1) catalyzes the formation of 5-hydroxytryptophan, a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Variations in the gene encoding this enzyme may underlie difficulties in impulse control; however, the proximate relationship between risk alleles for polymorphisms in the TPH1 gene and the neural correlates of response inhibition remain poorly understood. The present study examined the relationship of 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the TPH1 gene (rs1799913 and rs4537731) to prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation on a response inhibition task. Evoked hemodynamic oxygenation in the PFC was measured in 30 unrelated healthy adult women using 16-channel continuous-wave functional near-infrared spectroscopy while they completed a manual go/no-go task. TPH1 alleles showed no association with demographic characteristics, general intelligence, impulsive personality traits, or accuracy and response latency indices on the go/no-go task. Participants carrying the risk alleles, however, showed less activity primarily in bilateral inferior frontal gyri and medial PFC under conditions of response inhibition. Polymorphisms in the TPH1 gene may be represented by diminished activity in lateral areas of the PFC underlying response inhibition. Reduced activity in medial PFC might represent altered self-monitoring of performances on the response inhibition task.

Impulsivity and risky decision making among taxi drivers in Hong Kong: An event-related potential study

Taxi drivers play an important role in providing safe and professional public transport services. However, they tend to be more involved than other professional driver groups in accidents caused by deliberate recklessness. This study used an event-related potential (ERP) experiment to examine risk-taking behavior arising from impulsivity by comparing the underlying neural processes of taxi drivers with and without traffic offence records in Hong Kong. A sample of 15 traffic offenders and 15 nonoffenders, matched by sociodemographic characteristics, was recruited. The results show that the offender group demonstrated significantly less negative-going (less negative) feedback-related negativity but more positive-going (more positive) feedback-related P300 when than with their nonoffending counterparts. These findings show that taxi drivers with traffic offence records were less sensitive to the consequences of behavior and more attuned to the magnitude of potential reward. In addition, behavioral data revealed that they were more willing to make risky decisions. All these characteristics pertain to impulsive personality traits. Based on these findings, we can conclude that the offenders in this sample were more impulsive than their nonoffending counterparts.

Modulation of meso-limbic reward processing by motivational tendencies in young adolescents and adults

Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable period for the onset of substance use disorders and other psychopathology. Individual variability in motivational tendencies and temperament and significant changes in functional brain organization during adolescence are important factors to consider in the development of substance use and dependence. Recent conceptualizations suggest that sensitivity to reward is heightened in adolescence and that this motivation tendency may precipitate subsequent substance abuse. The present study examined the role of personality traits in mesolimbic neurobehavioral response on a monetary incentive delay (MID) task in young adolescents (11–14years) and emerging adults (18–25years) using functional magnetic resonance imaging. As a group, adolescents were not more sensitive to gains than losses compared to adults during either anticipatory and feedback phases; instead, compared to adults they showed less sensitivity to incentive magnitude in mesolimbic circuitry during anticipation and feedback stages. However, personality modulated this response such that adolescents high in impulsivity or low in avoidance tendencies showed greater gain sensitivity and adolescents high in avoidance showed greater loss sensitivity during cue anticipation. In adults, mesolimbic response was modulated by the impulsivity construct such that high-impulsive adults showed reduced magnitude sensitivity during both anticipation and feedback compared to low impulsive adults. The present findings suggest that impulsive personality significantly modulates mesolimbic reward response during both adolescence and adulthood but avoidance and approach tendencies also modulate this response in adolescents. Moreover, personality modulated incentive valence in adolescents but incentive magnitude in adults. Collectively, these findings suggest that mesolimbic reward circuitry function is modulated by somewhat different parameters in adolescence than in adulthood.

Adolescent impulsiveness and use of alcohol and tobacco

Adolescence is characterized by premature experimentation with new experiences and sensations. These experiences sometimes include drugs, which even though legal and socially accepted, begin to have noticeable negative consequences to the adolescent’s development. In recent years, a decrease in use of tobacco by Spanish adolescents has been observed, but not in alcohol. One of the causes of initiation in drug use is impulsive personality or behavior. Thus the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between impulsiveness and frequency of use of alcohol and tobacco in 822 students aged 13 to 18 years of age. The State Impulsivity Scale (SIS) and an ad hoc questionnaire on demographic characteristics and use of alcohol and tobacco were used for this. The results showed that students who stated they were users scored significantly higher on impulsivity. Thus detailed analysis of the profile of individuals with this risk factor could favor more adequate intervention program design.

Adolescent impulsiveness and use of alcohol and tobacco

Adolescence is characterized by premature experimentation with new experiences and sensations. These experiences sometimes include drugs, which even though legal and socially accepted, begin to have noticeable negative consequences to the adolescent’s development. In recent years, a decrease in use of tobacco by Spanish adolescents has been observed, but not in alcohol. One of the causes of initiation in drug use is impulsive personality or behavior. Thus the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between impulsiveness and frequency of use of alcohol and tobacco in 822 students aged 13 to 18 years of age. The State Impulsivity Scale (SIS) and an ad hoc questionnaire on demographic characteristics and use of alcohol and tobacco were used for this. The results showed that students who stated they were users scored significantly higher on impulsivity. Thus detailed analysis of the profile of individuals with this risk factor could favor more adequate intervention program design.

A Multifactorial Conceptualization of Impulsivity

Abstract. Despite the multiple phenotypic presentations of impulsivity, the underlying factor structure of the construct has yet to be settled. The aim of this study, with two multimethod, multisource datasets, was to further explore the multifactorial nature of impulsivity and propose a measure-selection approach. Unlike previous studies that relied on a single type of statistical analysis, the current study explored the relations between personality and behavioral measures of impulsivity utilizing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Participants comprised two samples of young adults (n(study 1) = 175 and n(study 2) = 118) from separate communities in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Various facets of impulsivity were assessed including adult ADHD symptoms, planning and organizational skills, executive dysfunction, impulsive personality traits (i.e., sensation-seeking), risk-taking behavior, disinhibition, cognitive flexibility, and delay discounting. Both statistical analyses yielded two-factor models. The Dysexecutive Control factor reflected a tendency to act without thinking or planning, and difficulty focusing for a sustained period of time. The Reward-Seeking factor reflected a general need for excitement, and a preference for novel situations despite adverse consequences. For the purposes of standardized assessment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral manifestations of impulsivity, trans-theoretical measure selection for research and clinical purposes is discussed.

Predictors of heroin relapse: Personality traits, impulsivity, COMT gene Val158met polymorphism in a 5‐year prospective study in Shanghai, China

Relapse is a typical feature of heroin addiction and rooted in genetic and psychological determinants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of personality traits, impulsivity, and COMT gene polymorphism (rs4680) on relapse to heroin use during 5-year follow up. 564 heroin dependent patients were enrolled in compulsory drug rehabilitation center. 12 months prior to their release, personality traits were measured by BIS-11 (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11) and Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism was genotyped using a DNA sequence detection system. The heroin use status was evaluated for 5 years after discharged. Among the 564 heroin-dependent patients, 500 were followed for 5 years after discharge and 53.0% (n = 265) were considered as relapsed to heroin use according to a strict monitor system. Univariate analysis showed that age, having ever been in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), the total scores and non-planning scores of BIS-11, and the COMT rs4680 gene variants were different between relapse and abstinent groups. Logistic regression analysis showed higher BIS total score, having ever been in MMT and younger first heroin use age are the predictors of relapse to heroin use during 5 years follow-up, and the COMT rs4680 gene had an interaction with BIS scores. Our findings indicated that the impulsive personality traits, methadone use history, and onset age could predict relapse in heroin-dependent patients during 5 year's follow up. The COMT gene showed a moderational effect in part the relationship of impulsivity with heroin relapse.

Impulsive Personality, Parental Monitoring, and Alcohol Outcomes From Adolescence Through Young Adulthood

PurposeWe examined the time-varying effects of sensation seeking, lack of perseverance, and parental monitoring on heavy drinking and alcohol-related harms from ages 16 to 28 years. MethodsParticipants were from the Victoria Healthy Youth Survey, followed six times, biennially, between 2003 and 2013 (N = 662; mean age at Time 1 = 15.52, range = 12–18). Analyses used time-varying effect models, which estimate how the association between a predictor and an outcome differs over time without assuming the association follows a parametric function of time. ResultsSensation seeking was a stable risk factor for heavy drinking, and lack of perseverance was stable risk factor for alcohol-related harms at each age. Parental monitoring was associated with lower rates of heavy drinking in adolescence and lower rates of alcohol harm until the age of 24 years. Moreover, high levels of parental monitoring moderated the association between personality traits and rates of harm at ages 17–20 years but only for youth high on lack of perseverance and low on sensation seeking. ConclusionsThe results provide a better understanding of age-related changes in risk and protective factors of alcohol use across the transition to adulthood. Impulsive personality traits are stable risk factors for alcohol outcomes until the late-20s despite typical age-related declines in these traits and drinking. Moreover, parental monitoring buffers the association between personality traits and alcohol harm for specific youth during the transition to adulthood. Personality-targeted interventions may be effective beyond adolescence, and parenting interventions may help reduce harm among low perseverance, low sensation-seeking youth.

The relationship between impulsivity and suicide among rural youths aged 15–35 years: a case–control psychological autopsy study

In China, the gender ratio of suicide rates did not match the Western patterns, which was higher for females than males. However, the rural men were at relatively high risk of suicide in Liaoning province. Impulsivity was an important factor of suicide behaviors, but there was a lack of studies in China. This research aimed to study the relationship between impulsive personality traits and suicidal behavior among Chinese rural youths. Suicides were consecutively sampled from six randomly selected counties in Liaoning Province in China. Between 2005 and 2007, a total of 162 suicide victims were enrolled in the study along with 162 community controls matched for age, gender, and location. The psychological autopsy method was used to collect data from informants knowledgeable about the selected suicide victims and controls. The results showed the suicide victims in the study were more likely to demonstrate dysfunctional impulsivity and less likely to demonstrate functional impulsivity compared with the controls. Mental disorders, acute negative life events, and dysfunctional impulsivity contributed to the risk of suicide; educational and functional impulsivity were protective factors. Suicide prevention efforts in rural China may address impulsivity.

Background Predictors and Event-Specific Characteristics of Sexual Aggression Incidents: The Roles of Alcohol and Other Factors.

Sexual assault in the United States is an important public health concern. Using prospective longitudinal methods and responses from 217 community men, we examined whether background characteristics predicted subsequent sexual aggression (SA) perpetration during a 3-month follow-up period. We also examined event-specific characteristics of reported SA occurrences. Consistent with predictions, SA perpetration history, aggressive and impulsive personality traits, rape myth attitudes, and alcohol expectancies predicted SA (both non- and alcohol-involved) at follow-up. In addition, alcohol-involved assaults occurred more often with casual (vs. steady) partners but were more likely to involve condom use with casual (vs. steady) partners. Results suggest important avenues for future research and SA prevention efforts.

Associations between regional brain physiology and trait impulsivity, motor inhibition, and impaired control over drinking

Trait impulsivity and poor inhibitory control are well-established risk factors for alcohol misuse, yet little is known about the associated neurobiological endophenotypes. Here we examined correlations among brain physiology and self-reported trait impulsive behavior, impaired control over drinking, and a behavioral measure of response inhibition. A sample of healthy drinkers (n=117) completed a pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) scan to quantify resting regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), as well as measures of self-reported impulsivity (Eysenck I7 Impulsivity scale) and impaired control over drinking. A subset of subjects (n=40) performed a stop signal task during blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain regions involved in response inhibition. Eysenck I7 scores were inversely related to blood flow in the right precentral gyrus. Significant BOLD activation during response inhibition occurred in an overlapping right frontal motor/premotor region. Moreover, impaired control over drinking was associated with reduced BOLD response in the same region. These findings suggest that impulsive personality and impaired control over drinking are associated with brain physiology in areas implicated in response inhibition. This is consistent with the idea that difficulty controlling behavior is due in part to impairment in motor restraint systems.

All Star by J. Lonergan

Lonergan, Jesse. All Star. New York: NBM Publishing, 2014. Print.It’s the bottom of the ninth, with two runners on and two outs, in the second to last regular season high school baseball game in a small rural town in Vermont called Elizabeth. Carl Carter, Elizabeth Monarch School’s all star player, steps up to the plate and hits a home run to win the game. The Elizabeth Monarchs are off to the playoffs and Carl is on top of the world. He is graduating this year and has everything going for him; a baseball scholarship to the University of Maine, a great group of friends, and the admiration of everyone in town. However, being the golden boy leads Carl to take advantage of people around him. Carl believes he can do what he wants, when we wants, without any consequences.Carl’s best friend Esden is not a baseball superstar or town hero. Esden comes from a very dysfunctional, low-income family and is perceived by many people as a bad boy. Nonetheless, Carl enjoys his company and impulsive personality. A party, drinking, and impaired driving cause Carl and Esden to make a serious mistake. Will they each get the consequence they deserve, and how will the repercussions affect their futures and friendship?This graphic story, set in 1998, is a powerful story about fairness and self-perception in young adults. The manga-inspired art and text placement captivate the reader from start to finish. The reader’s eyes are drawn naturally from panel to panel by the simplistic black and white illustrations. Lonergan’s talent of capturing delicate and extreme body language is apparent in every character sketch. This book appeals to baseball fans and adolescents that yearn for a compelling, character driven story. All Star was the winner of 2015 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens and was nominated for the 2015 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adults Readers. The story includes mature language and content which may not appeal to all readers.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Jackie HeinrichJackie Heinrich is the teacher-librarian at Wiltse Elementary School in Penticton, BC. She is currently working towards her Masters of Education Degree in Teacher Librarianship and enjoys helping students become lifelong readers.

Interactions among impulsiveness, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and androgen receptor gene CAG repeat length

Impulsive personality phenotype has been extensively related with genetic and hormonal factors. This study has two objectives: a) to analyse the interactions between testosterone levels and CAG repeat length polymorphism as a modulator of androgen receptor (AR) sensitivity with regard to impulsiveness traits, and b) to evaluate the contribution of other biological variables as Luteinising Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (LF, FSH, SHBG) and albumin in the relationship between testosterone levels and AR CAG length polymorphism with impulsiveness. A sample of 105 healthy males (mean age 26.71±9.68 SEM) was analysed resulting in three groups of subjects according to CAG repeat lengths. Impulsiveness was measured through the Barratt's Impulsiveness Personality Scale, including three components: Motor Impulsiveness, Cognitive Impulsiveness and Non-Planning Impulsiveness. A series of ANOVAS and linear regression models predicting impulsiveness scales were conducted. Age, hormones, CAG repeat length and hormone×CAG repeat interactions were included in the regression models as independent variables. Results show that subjects with short or medium CAG repeat length tended to show higher impulsiveness phenotypes compared to long CAG repeat. The interaction between Free Testosterone and CAG, and between SHBG and CAG accounted for differences on impulsiveness (R: .47, R2: .22 and R: .43; R2: .18, respectively).This pattern was especially observed for the short CAG repeat group and Motor Impulsiveness.

Non-Homicidal and Homicidal Sexual Offenders: Prevalence of Maladaptive Personality Traits and Paraphilic Behaviors.

This study aims to examine the psychopathological profile of non-homicidal sexual offenders (NHSOs) and homicidal sexual offenders (HSOs). Using an incarcerated sample of 96 NHSOs and 74 HSOs in a federal penitentiary in Canada, these offenders are compared in terms of their offending process, maladaptive personality traits, and paraphilic behaviors. A number of cross-tabular and sequential logistic regression analyses are performed. Relative to their counterpart, findings indicate that a higher percentage of HSOs select a victim of choice, report deviant sexual fantasies, mutilate their victim, and admit to their offense upon apprehension, whereas a higher percentage of NHSOs select victims with distinctive characteristics. In addition, a higher percentage of HSOs manifest paranoid, schizotypal, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and impulsive personality traits, and overall odd and eccentric personality traits compared with NHSOs. Similarly, a higher percentage of HSOs engage in exhibitionism, fetishism, frotteurism, homosexual pedophilia, sexual masochism, and partialism compared with NHSO. These findings are discussed with their implications for offender profiling.

Risk-taking and impulsive personality traits in proficient downhill sports enthusiasts

Although past studies have examined how personality traits may motivate participation in high-risk sports, few previous studies have examined impulsive personality correlates with risk-taking within a group of sports enthusiasts. We examined relationships between measures of personality and risk-taking on the slopes as measured by a sport-specific Sensation Seeking Scale in a sample of proficient-level skiers and snowboarders (N=123, 61% male). Significant correlations were found between risk-taking and multiple traits including Reward Sensitivity, Punishment Sensitivity, and Sensation Seeking, implying that some traits that motivate participation in high-risk sports also lead to more risky behavior while participating in said sports. Rash Impulsivity, though not found to distinguish participants from non-participants in previous studies, did correlate with risk-taking behavior on the slopes. The results of this study show that while some aspects of impulsive personality may motivate risky sport participation, other traits may be related to risky behavior once engaged in the sport.

Exploring associations between self-reported executive functions, impulsive personality traits, driving self-efficacy, and functional abilities in driver behaviour after brain injury

ObjectiveThe assessment of self-awareness and self-efficacy as they relate to driving after stroke and TBI is lacking in the literature where the focus has tended to be on neuropsychological testing of underlying component of cognition in predicting driving outcome. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the associations between self-rating of higher-level functions and post-injury driving behaviour. MethodsThe present one-year follow-up study included twenty-four adults with stroke and ten adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) deemed suitable for driving after a comprehensive driving evaluation according to Norwegian regulations. In addition, but not part of the decision making, baseline measurements included self-rating of executive functions (Behaviour Rating of Executive Function (BRIEF-A)), impulsive personality traits (UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale), driving self-efficacy (Adelaide Driving Self-Efficacy Scale (ADSES)), and functional abilities (Awareness Questionnaire (AQ)). Follow-up measurements twelve months after baseline were collected, the ADSES, AQ, and Swedish Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (Swedish DBQ). ResultsPerceived driving self-efficacy and functional abilities did not change from baseline to follow-up. Baseline perceived executive functions and impulsive personality traits were significantly associated with driving self-efficacy at follow-up. Lower self-efficacy and functional abilities were associated with lower driving mileage and increased use of compensatory driving strategies, whereas lower self-efficacy beliefs were associated with driver mistakes and inattention. Driver violations and inattention were associated with minor accidents. ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that higher-level functions such as executive functions, impulsive personality traits, driving self-efficacy and functional abilities, influence post-injury accident involvement mediated through proximal driving factors such as driver inattention. Further evidence is warranted to explore self-rating measures compared to performance-based methods as predictors of risky driver behaviour, crashes, and near misses.

Personality effects and sex differences on the International Affective Picture System (IAPS): A Spanish and Swiss study

The present study analyses the relationship between Anxiety and Impulsivity personality factors and emotions, by controlling for country and sex effects in a sample of Spanish and Swiss university students. Emotions were assessed through the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) of pictures (valence/arousal) using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) procedure. The mixed valence/arousal groups’ pictures were formed according to Tok, Koyuncu, Dural and Catikkas procedure (2010). Results showed that females scored significantly higher in Anxiety factor and men in Impulsivity factor in both countries. The effect of sex was highly significant for Anxiety (ŋ2: 0.12), but there was no significant effect of the country. Also, females obtained higher scores in the four valence/arousal pictures groups. The sex effect was particularly robust for negative valence–high arousal (ŋ2: 0.13). Impulsivity correlated with high ratings of positive valence–high arousal while Anxiety correlated with high ratings of negative valence–high arousal and with high ratings of negative valence–low arousal in both sexes, although scores were higher for females. Structural Equation Modelling confirmed these relationships. Nevertheless, Anxiety and Impulsivity explained only a small amount of the accounted variance of the self-reported valence and arousal of the pictures.

Bidirectional-Compounding Effects of Rumination and Negative Emotion in Predicting Impulsive Behavior: Implications for Emotional Cascades.

Influenced by chaos theory, the emotional cascade model proposes that rumination and negative emotion may promote each other in a self-amplifying cycle that increases over time. Accordingly, exponential-compounding effects may better describe the relationship between rumination and negative emotion when they occur in impulsive persons, and predict impulsive behavior. Forty-seven community and undergraduate participants who reported frequent engagement in impulsive behaviors monitored their ruminative thoughts and negative emotion multiple times daily for two weeks using digital recording devices. Hypotheses were tested using cross-lagged mixed model analyses. Findings indicated that rumination predicted subsequent elevations in rumination that lasted over extended periods of time. Rumination and negative emotion predicted increased levels of each other at subsequent assessments, and exponential functions for these associations were supported. Results also supported a synergistic effect between rumination and negative emotion, predicting larger elevations in subsequent rumination and negative emotion than when one variable alone was elevated. Finally, there were synergistic effects of rumination and negative emotion in predicting number of impulsive behaviors subsequently reported. These findings are consistent with the emotional cascade model in suggesting that momentary rumination and negative emotion progressively propagate and magnify each other over time in impulsive people, promoting impulsive behavior.

Childhood sexual abuse and impulsive personality traits: Mixed evidence for moderation by DRD4 genotype

This project examines associations between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and two dimensions of impulsivity (sensation seeking and premeditation), and tests whether CSA-personality associations are moderated by the DRD4 exon III VNTR polymorphism. Sample 1 is from a longitudinal study of university students measured at 10 waves over ages 18–24years (n=500). Sample 2 is from a national sample of young adult sibling pairs, ages 18–24, from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n=2559). In both samples, CSA was associated with elevated sensation seeking. In Sample 1, the association between CSA and sensation seeking was moderated by DRD4 genotype; this gene×environment interaction effect, however, was not replicated in Sample 2. Results suggest new avenues for research on CSA in the area of normal-range personality variation.

Being impulsive and obese increases susceptibility to speeded detection of high-calorie foods.

Overeating and obesity are associated with impulsivity. In studies among patients with a substance use disorder, impulsivity was found to be associated with substance-related attentional bias. This study examined whether obesity, impulsivity and food craving are associated with an attentional bias for high-calorie food. Obese (n = 185, mean BMI = 38.18 ± 6.17) and matched healthy-weight (n = 134, mean BMI = 22.35 ± 1.63) men (27.9%) and women (72.1%), aged 18-45 years, took part in the study. Participants were tested on several self-report and behavioral measures of impulsivity (i.e., response inhibition and reward sensitivity) and self-reported trait craving. In addition, they performed a visual search task to measure attentional bias for high- and low-caloric foods. Self-reported impulsivity influenced the relationship between weight status and detection speed of high- and low-caloric food items: High-impulsive participants with obesity were significantly faster than high-impulsive healthy-weight participants in detecting a high-caloric food item among neutral items, whereas no such difference was observed among low-impulsive participants. No significant effects were found on low-caloric food items, for trait craving or any of the behavioral measures of impulsivity. Self-reported impulsivity, but not trait craving or behavioral measures of impulsivity, is associated with an attentional bias for high-caloric foods, but only in people with obesity. It is in particular the speedy detection of high-caloric foods in the environment that characterizes the impulsive person with obesity, which in turn may cause risky eating patterns in a society were high-caloric food is overly present.