Sensation Seeking Scale Research Articles

Validation of the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale in Spanish Samples

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to validate the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (SSSS; Kalichman, 2011) in Spanish samples. Two independent studies were conducted. In Study 1, we examined the factor structure of the SSSS in a sample of 1,272 heterosexual undergraduate students (40.0% men, 60.0% women). Results revealed a 2-factor structure. Factor 1 was related to physical sexual sensations and risky sexual behaviors and Factor 2 was related to exploratory or novel sex. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed this factor structure in a sample of 373 community adults (33.8% men, 66.2% women). Two items were deleted, resulting in a final version composed of 8 items. This version showed good test–retest reliability and evidence of its concurrent validity. In Study 2, the factor structure was further confirmed in a sample of 1,596 university students (28.8% men, 71.2% women). More evidence of construct validity was provided, which revealed that higher levels of sexual sensation seeking were associated with more frequent sexual risk behaviors and poorer sexual health. Internal consistency reliability did not reach acceptable levels on all of the subscales. Results suggest that, although it has been used before, this scale needs a revision before its use in Spanish-speaking contexts.

Sensation seeking and high school performance

Previous studies have shown that Sensation Seeking, one of the traits most related to risk taking behavior, is associated with lower academic performance in students with primary and secondary levels of education. Given the relevance of identifying early outcomes of sensation seekers to prevent negative risk taking, the present study explored the relationship between sensation seeking and academic performance in a sample of 216 high-school students (55.6% girls) aged 16 to 18years old. We administered the Spanish version of the Junior Sensation Seeking Scale (J-SSS) and collected average grades and specific grades from four mandatory school subjects offered in the same semester. Results showed that girls obtained significantly higher average grades and that academic performance was associated with low scores in sensation seeking in both genders. Furthermore, gender and J-SSS scores were the predictors of academic achievement (R2=0.073). Results are discussed in terms of the implications of sensation seeking in academic achievement, and we conclude that individualized education programs would include specific interventions for those scoring high on sensation seeking in order to facilitate their academic achievement.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PHENOMENOLOGY OF REWARD AND HABIT IN OCD: LOOKING FOR SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL CORRELATES

Introduction Emerging neurobiological evidence suggests that the boundaries between compulsive symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and both addictive and habitual behaviors may not be impervious as previously though. For instance, attenuated activity in the nucleus accumbens during reward anticipation in OCD patients compared with healthy controls has been reported. 1 This effect was most pronounced in patients with contamination fears. 1 There is also evidence of an increased tendency to form both avoidance and “rewarding” habits in OCD, leading to the hypothesis that OCD compulsions are in fact overlearned habits. 2 Nevertheless, we are not aware of any phenomenological study attempting to investigate to contribution of reward and/or habit processes to compulsive behaviors in OCD and whether they are associated to any specific sociodemographic or clinical correlates. Methods To help filling this gap, 73 OCD patients attending a university-based clinic had their most clinically significant compulsive behaviors assessed with (1) the Temporal Impulsive Compulsive Scale (TICS), a self-report instrument that measures how frequently (from 0=never to 4=always) positive (rewarding) and negative affective states are experienced before, in anticipation, during, and after the OCD patients’ compulsive behavior; and (2) the Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI) a self-report instrument that assesses perceptions of habit strength (including prior behavior, automaticity, and identity expression). Patients were also assessed with a (3) a modified version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) to measure severity of compulsive symptoms (including avoidance), and (4) the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), to provide severity of symptoms across obsessions, washing, checking, ordering, neutralization and hoarding dimensions. Additional instruments were selected on the basis of whether they were thought to measure other aspects of reward and/or punishment and fear including: (5) the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS); (6) the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Scales (BIS/BAS); (7) the Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation seeking, and Positive Urgency scale (UPPS-p); (8) the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ-44); and (9) the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12). Results Reward in anticipation and after the performance of OCD compulsive behaviors in the TICS correlated positively with anticipatory (r=0.25; p=0.03) and consummatory (r=0.28; p=0.02) pleasure in the TEPS, respectively. In terms of symptom content, anticipated reward (i.e., predicted positive affect prior to initiating compulsive behavior as measured on the TICS) correlated positively with severity of washing symptoms (r=0.24; p=0.04) and negatively with checking (r=-.024; p=0.04) and neutralization symptoms (r=0.25; p=0.03). In contrast, habit strength correlated positively with checking (r=0.27; p=0.02), hoarding (r=0.36; p=0.01), and ordering (r=0.29; p=0.13) and negatively with BIS scores (r=-0.26; p=0.03). Conclusions Our preliminary findings suggest that the ability to experience reward in anticipation and after the performance of OCD compulsions may be partially depend on whether patients are able to experience anticipatory and consummatory pleasure in domains other than those related to OCD compulsions. We were also able to confirm the finding that OCD patients with washing symptoms experience greater reward in anticipation of their OCD compulsions. In contrast, the greater the severity of checking, hoarding and ordering, the more habitual features the OCD compulsions tend to display.

Development of a Mobile Phone Addiction Craving Scale and Its Validation in a Spanish Adult Population.

In some people, problematic cell phone use can lead to situations in which they lose control, similar to those observed in other cases of addiction. Although different scales have been developed to assess its severity, we lack an instrument that is able to determine the desire or craving associated with it. Thus, with the objective of evaluating craving for cell phone use, in this study, we develop and present the Mobile Phone Addiction Craving Scale (MPACS). It consists of eight Likert-style items, with 10 response options, referring to possible situations in which the interviewee is asked to evaluate the degree of restlessness that he or she feels if the cell phone is unavailable at the moment. It can be self-administered or integrated in an interview when abuse or problems are suspected. With the existence of a single dimension, reflected in the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the scale presents adequate reliability and internal consistency (α = 0.919). Simultaneously, we are able to show significantly increased correlations (r = 0.785, p = 0.000) with the Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) and state anxiety (r = 0.330, p = 0.000). We are also able to find associations with impulsivity, measured using the urgency, premeditation, perseverance, and sensation seeking scale, particularly in the dimensions of negative urgency (r = 0.303, p = 0.000) and positive urgency (r = 0.290, p = 0.000), which confirms its construct validity. The analysis of these results conveys important discriminant validity among the MPPUS user categories that are obtained using the criteria by Chow et al. (1). The MPACS demonstrates higher levels of craving in persons up to 35 years of age, reversing with age. In contrast, we do not find significant differences among the sexes. Finally, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis allows us to establish the scores from which we are able to determine the different levels of craving, from the absence of craving to that referred to as addiction. Based on these results, we can conclude that this scale is a reliable tool that complements ongoing studies on problematic cell phone use.

Sensation-seeking and factors related to dangerous driving behaviors among Iranian drivers

Evidence has indicated that drivers with higher sensation-seeking scores had higher rates of risky behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated and driving at high speeds. Using a convenience sampling method, 361 car-drivers were recruited in …, Iran. To collect data in this cross-sectional descriptive study, the demographic questionnaire, Zukerman's Sensation-Seeking Scale (SSS), and the Manchester Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) were used. The results showed a significant positive relationship between sensation-seeking and dangerous driving behaviors (r=0.79, p<0.001). There were significant relationships between participants' dangerous driving behaviors and age, marital status, years of education, and history of accidents (p≤0.05). Our results showed that driver-related factors, including sensation-seeking, predicted dangerous driving behaviors in a population with high risks of accidents. Among the four subscales of sensation-seeking, the partial correlations between two subscales—adventure-seeking and boredom susceptibility—and dangerous driving behaviors were significant.

Using Computer Simulations for Investigating a Sex Education Intervention: An Exploratory Study.

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are ongoing concerns. The best method for preventing the transmission of these infections is the correct and consistent use of condoms. Few studies have explored the use of games in interventions for increasing condom use by challenging the false sense of security associated with judging the presence of an STI based on attractiveness.ObjectivesThe primary purpose of this study was to explore the potential use of computer simulation as a serious game for sex education. Specific aims were to (1) study the influence of a newly designed serious game on self-rated confidence for assessing STI risk and (2) examine whether this varied by gender, age, and scores on sexuality-related personality trait measures.MethodsThis paper undertook a Web-based questionnaire study employing between and within subject analyses. A Web-based platform hosted in the United Kingdom was used to deliver male and female stimuli (facial photographs) and collect data. A convenience sample group of 66 participants (64%, 42/66) male, mean age 22.5 years) completed the Term on the Tides, a computer simulation developed for this study. Participants also completed questionnaires on demographics, sexual preferences, sexual risk evaluations, the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), and the Sexual Inhibition Subscale 2 (SIS2) of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES - SF).ResultsThe overall confidence of participants to evaluate sexual risks reduced after playing the game (P<.005). Age and personality trait measures did not predict the change in confidence of evaluating risk. Women demonstrated larger shifts in confidence than did men (P=.03).ConclusionsThis study extends the literature by investigating the potential of computer simulations as a serious game for sex education. Engaging in the Term on the Tides game had an impact on participants’ confidence in evaluating sexual risks.

Brief Sensation Seeking Scale: Latent structure of 8-item and 4-item versions in Peruvian adolescents.

This research intended to validate two brief scales of sensations seeking with Peruvian adolescents: the eight item scale (BSSS8; Hoyle, Stephenson, Palmgreen, Lorch, y Donohew, 2002) and the four item scale (BSSS4; Stephenson, Hoyle, Slater, y Palmgreen, 2003). Questionnaires were administered to 618 voluntary participants, with an average age of 13.6 years, from different levels of high school, state and private school in a district in the south of Lima. It analyzed the internal structure of both short versions using three models: a) unidimensional (M1), b) oblique or related dimensions (M2), and c) the bifactor model (M3). Results show that both instruments have a single dimension which best represents the variability of the items; a fact that can be explained both by the complexity of the concept and by the small number of items representing each factor, which is more noticeable in the BSSS4. Reliability is within levels found by previous studies: alpha: .745 = BSSS8 and BSSS4 =. 643; omega coefficient: .747 in BSSS8 and .651 in BSSS4. These are considered suitable for the type of instruments studied. Based on the correlation between the two instruments, it was found that there are satisfactory levels of equivalence between the BSSS8 and BSSS4. However, it is recommended that the BSSS4 is mainly used for research and for the purpose of describing populations.

Gambling behavior among Macau college and university students

This survey investigated gambling behavior among Chinese students studying in Macau colleges and universities. It also aimed to examine the relationship between problem gambling, affect states and sensation seeking propensity. A convenience sample of 999 students (370 men, 629 women) filled a self-administered questionnaire consisted of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) (Ferris and Wynne in The Canadian problem gambling index: User manual. Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Toronto 2001a), the 8-item Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS-8) (Hoyle et al. Pers Individ Diff 32(3): 401–414, 2002), Bradburn’s Affect Balance Scale (BABS) (Bradburn in The structure of psychological well-being. Aldine, Chicago 1969) and questions on gambling activities. The response rate is 65%. Results indicate 32.3% (n = 323) of the survey participants wagered on mahjong (61.8%), soccer matches (40.2%), Mark Six lottery (37.2%), card games (28.1%), land-based casino gambling (13.1%), slot machines (7.5%) and online casino games (2.0%). The average monthly stake was MOP $411. Seeking entertainment (18.7%), killing time (12.5%) and peer influence (11.1%) were the three main reasons for gambling. Using the PGSI, 3.6 and 5.3% of the students could be identified as moderate-risk and problem gamblers respectively. Men were significantly more vulnerable to gambling problems (X2(1) = 35.00, p < 0.01) than women. Most of the problematic gamblers (76%) made their first bet before 14 years. The PGSI scores are significantly correlated with the BSSS-8 scores (r = 0.23, p < 0.01) but not with the overall ABS scores (r = −0.06, p > 0.05). The study findings inform campus prevention programs and future research.

The Portuguese validation of the impulsive sensation seeking scale

IntroductionPersonality traits such as Impulsivity and Sensation seeking are associated with aggressive and/or risky driving behaviour. Understanding the influence of these traits in the driving task is important to perform a more comprehensive study of road trauma, which is an increasing public health and economic concern.ObjectiveTo study the reliability and the construct validity of the Portuguese version of impulsive sensation seeking scale (ImpSS) using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA).Methods747 participants [417 (55.8%) women; mean age = 42.13 ± 12.349 years; mean driving license years = 21.30 ± 11.338; mean years of regular driving = 20.33 ± 11.328] answered an online survey which included this scale, and other socio-demographic information. Inclusion criteria were: driving license and regular driving for at least three years and age lower than 75 years old. The total sample was randomly divided in two sub-samples, with sample A (n = 373) being used to perform EFA, and sample B to perform CFA.ResultsThe most acceptable factor model for ImpSS scale was the two-factor model found with EFA, excluding items 4, 6, 7 and 10 (χ2/df = 2.13; TLI = .90; CFI = .92; RMSEA = .05, P = .211). The internal consistency analysis resulted in: Sensation seeking, α = .79; Impulsivity, α = .76; total ImpSS score, α = .82.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the ImpSS Scale is a valid and reliable measure to assess those personality traits in the Portuguese drivers.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Impact of a multimodal intervention on the psychological profile of schizophrenic and bipolar I patients: A study of PRISMA programme

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia are included in the group of severe mental illness and are main causes of disability and morbidity in the local population due to the bio-psycho-social implications in patients. In the last 20 years or so, adjunctive psychological interventions been studied with the purpose of decreasing recurrences, stabilising the course of the disease, and improving the functionality in these patients. ObjectiveTo analyse the psychological effect of a multimodal intervention (MI) vs a traditional intervention (TI) programme in BD I and schizophrenic patients. MethodsA prospective, longitudinal, therapeutic-comparative study was conducted with 302 patients (104 schizophrenic and 198 bipolar patients) who were randomly assigned to the MI or TI groups of a multimodal intervention programme PRISMA. The MI group received care from psychiatry, general medicine, neuropsychology, family therapy, and occupational therapy. The TI group received care from psychiatry and general medicine. The Hamilton and Young scales, and the Scales for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and Postive Symptoms (SAPS) were used on bipolar and schizophrenic patients, respectively. The scales AQ-12, TEMPS-A, FAST, Zuckerman sensation seeking scale, BIS-11, SAI-E and EEAG were applied to measure the psychological variables. The scales were performed before and after the interventions. The psychotherapy used in this study was cognitive behavioural therapy. ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in socio-demographic and clinical variables in the schizophrenia and bipolar disorder group. There were no statistically significant differences in the psychological scales after conducting a multivariate analysis between the intervention groups and for both times (initial and final). ConclusionThis study did not show any changes in variables of psychological functioning variables between bipolar and schizophrenic groups, who were subjected to TI vs MI (who received cognitive behavioural therapy). Further studies are needed with other psychological interventions or other psychometric scales.

Personality and sensation seeking in high-risk sports

Background: Personality represents a relatively consistent and unique sum of psychological, cognitive and physical characteristics of an individual. Sensation seeking is defined as an action, characterized by the search for different, new, complex and intensive emotions and experiences and preparedness to take physical, social, legal and financial risks in order to achieve these experiences.Objective: We were looking for differences in personality and sensation seeking between high-risk sports athletes and recreational athletes and the correlation between one's purpose to participate in high-risk sports and actual participation.Method: The data was acquired using three different questionnaires: Sensation Seeking Scale (forms SSS - V and SSS - VI) and the Big Five Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 76 high-risk sports athletes and 51 recreational athletes. Data was analyzed using the SPSS statistical program.Results: The results were unexpected because we noticed differences between the two groups in which recreational athletes received higher results, especially in openness. Mostly results from such research show the converse - athletes of high-risk sports are more open. We did not find any difference between the two groups in sensation seeking. We found some correlations between personality traits and factors of Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS - V and SSS - VI). Openness and the Thrill and adventure seeking factor correlated in both versions of SSS.Conclusions: We conclude that high-risk sports athletes differ from recreational athletes, especially in openness. Also, we can confirm that both used versions of SSS are equally effective for analyzing sensation seeking.

Social Media Use and Episodic Heavy Drinking Among Adolescents.

frequency and quantity of social media use. Frequency of drinking four or six (girls and boys, respectively) alcoholic drinks during a single day (episodic heavy drinking). The MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - Brief, the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items for Adolescents, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Peer Relationship problems scale, gender, and school grade. Results Greater amount of time spent on social media was associated with greater likelihood of episodic heavy drinking among adolescents ( OR = 1.12, 95% CI (1.05, 1.19), p = 0.001), even after adjusting for school grade, impulsivity, sensation seeking, symptoms of depression, and peer relationship problems. Conclusion The results from the current study indicate that more time spent on social media is related to greater likelihood of episodic heavy drinking among adolescents.

Psychometric properties of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale in peruvian teenagers.

The Brief Sensation Seeking Scale &ndash; BSSS measures sensation seeking in teenagers based on Zuckerman&rsquo;s theory, covering the need for a brief instrument that might be useful for research contexts and capable of correcting some defects in the SSS-V. The aim of this study was to adapt the BSSS for research purposes with students schoolchildren in Lima and determine its psychometric properties. 1,033 high school students from four public schools in Lima completed the final version of the BSSS. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test scale structure and gender invariance and criterion validity were assessed. CFA evidenced a good fit of the unidimensional model (S-B&#967;2= 56.74, df = 18, p &lt;0.001; TLI = .972, CFI = .982, SRMR = .026; RMSEA = .046). Moreover, the multi-group invariance analysis found metric invariance between boys and girls, but no scalar invariance. In addition, a composite reliability coefficient of .82 was obtained. Finally, the BSSS scores demonstrate differences in the use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, as well as the curiosity and intention to try marijuana. Psychometric results obtained from the BSSS are promising; making it a suitable instrument for measuring sensation seeking in adolescents from Lima.

Studentų rizikingo elgesio ir aštrių pojūčių siekio sąsajos

Straipsnyje pristatomi tyrimo, kuriuo siekta išsiaiškinti įvairių rizikingo elgesio tipų paplitimo tarp stu­dentų ypatumus ir rizikingo elgesio bei aštrių pojūčių siekio sąsajas, rezultatai. Apklausti 664 studentai iš 8 Lietuvos universitetų. Apklaustų studentų amžiaus vidurkis 20,4 metų (SD = 2,21), 76 proc. jų mote­rys, 24 proc. – vyrai. Tyrime naudotas specialiai sukurtas klausimynas, skirtas 12 rizikingo elgesio tipų, ir Aštrių pojūčių siekio skalės penktoji versija (SSS-V, Sensation Seeking Scale, Form V, Zuckerman, 2007). Tyrimas atskleidė, kad 94,7 proc. studentų būdingas rizikingas elgesys. Dažniausiai paplitęs elgesys – didelio alkoholio kiekio vartojimas vienu metu. Antroje vietoje yra važiavimas su apsvaigusiu nuo al­koholio vairuotoju. Apie trečdaliui studentų būdingas rūkymas, dažnas alkoholio vartojimas, narkotikų vartojimas, ekstremalus sportas, nesaugūs lytiniai santykiai, SMS žinučių rašymas vairuojant. Rečiausiai paplitęs rizikingas elgesys – daugiau nei du sekso partneriai per metus. Nustatyta, kad visi rizikingo elge­sio tipai yra susiję tarpusavyje. Vienas rizikingo elgesio tipas būdingas 11,3 proc. studentų. Beveik pusei studentų (49 proc.) būdingi 2–4 rizikingo elgesio tipai, o daugiau nei trečdaliui (34,5 proc.) būdingi penki ir daugiau rizikingo elgesio tipų.Studentai, kuriems būdingi įvairūs rizikingo elgesio tipai, gauna didesnius aštrių pojūčių siekio skalės balus. Labiau išreikštas aštrių pojūčių siekis prognozuoja didesnį asmeniui būdingų rizikingo elgesio tipų skaičių. Tyrimo rezultatai leidžia teigti, kad aštrių pojūčių siekis yra asmenybės matmuo, kuris gali būti naudojamas prognozuoti ne tik studentams būdingo rizikingo elgesio kiekį, bet ir atskirų rizikingo el­gesio tipų apraiškas, kaip antai narkotikų vartojimas ir užsiėmimas ekstremaliu sportu. Aštrių pojūčių siekio įvertinimas leidžia pasirinkti tinkamus tiek prevencijos, tiek ankstyvosios intervencijos metodus.

Sensation Seeking Behavior and Crash Involvement of Indian Bus Drivers

Abstract Road crashes and environmental degradation are among the prominent issues of concern today in most of the developing economies particularly India. Buses, which are key mode of public transit in India, are unfortunately involved in a significant number of crashes in recent time. Bus driver's attitude and his ability to comprehend traffic situations aptly contributes largely to passenger safety. In this study the effect of sensation seeking behavior on crash involvement rates of bus drivers in India was investigated. Study was conducted to assess sensation seeking behaviors of sample bus drivers from Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Assessment was conducted using a modified Zuckerman's Sensation seeking scale (ZSSS) form V questionnaire that included sub scales such as boredom susceptibility, disinhibition, experience seeking, and thrill and adventure seeking. The survey results were further related to their crash involvement histories through ratio analysis. Further a Generalized Linear Model with log link and Poisson error was developed to ascertain the influence of these traits on their crash involvement propensity. The results indicate that acute levels of Sensation seeking increased crash involvement rate in the tested drivers. Risk of severe crashes (major and fatal) was observed to be high in drivers with high levels of sensation seeking. Extreme levels of boredom susceptibility and disinhibition, and lower levels of thrill and adventure seeking were found to be dangerous in terms of road crash tendencies. These results highlight the importance of driver behaviour on road safety and also validate the use of ZSSS in behavioural studies of Indian bus drivers. Also, the need for setting efficient standards for behavioral evaluation, necessary for the scrutiny of transport vehicle drivers during their licensing and recruitment process in India has been stressed upon. Through this study it would also help in monitoring road safety attitude in transport vehicle drivers and help in reducing road fatalities and other related losses. Some specific recommendations with respect to KSRTC Bus drivers have been made in this paper in this regard.

Impulsivity, Sensation Seeking and Anhedonia as Possible Explanations for Cannabis Abuse Comorbidity among First Psychotic Episode Inpatients

Objective: There have been relatively few reported carefully constructed studies to date concerning the link between psychoactive substance abuse among first-episode psychotic individuals and specific behavioral aspects that might clarify the comorbidity. Using standard toxicological testing, we compared consecutively admitted inpatients diagnosed with first psychotic episode with and without lifetime and/or active (last month) cannabis abuse or dependence and the levels of impulsivity, sensation seeking and anhedonia. Methods: Ninety-one consecutively admitted psychiatric patients diagnosed using the DSM-IV criteria with a first psychotic episode due to schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, bipolar disorder, brief psychotic episode, and psychosis NOS disorder were included in the study. Patients were aged 18 to 41 (mean 27.1+9.2); seventy-six of the patients (83.5%) were males. Standard urine tests for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were performed and self-report questionnaires were administered during the first 48 h after admission. The following rating scales were used: the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (a 34-item self-report), the Zuckerman Sensation-Seeking Scale (form V), and the Chapman Physical Anhedonia Scale (a 61-item self-report). Results: According to bivariate correlations, the PANSS Positive Scale was significantly correlated with the Barratt Rating Scale (0.260; p ≤ 0.05) and the PANSS Negative with Physical Anhedonia Scale (0.389, p ≤ 0.001). Rates for the Zuckerman Rating Scale (f=20.1, p ≤ 0.001) and the Barratt Rating Scale (f=5.15, p ≤ 0.05) were significantly higher in the group of cannabis abusers with no clear difference between abusers and nonusers in the PANSS and the Physical Anhedonia Scale. Conclusion: The results of the study showed high levels of impulsivity and sensation seeking in the group of inpatients suffering from first psychotic episode and cannabis abuse comorbidity compared to first-episode inpatients with no substance abuse.

Comorbidity, family history and personality traits in pathological gamblers compared with healthy controls

BackgroundWhile DSM-5 classified pathological gambling as an addictive disorder, there is debate as to whether ICD-11 should follow suit. The debate hinges on scientific evidence such as neurobiological findings, family history of psychiatric disorders, psychiatric comorbidity, and personality variables. MethodsIn the “Baden-Württemberg Study of Pathological Gambling”, we compared a group of 515 male pathological gamblers receiving treatment with 269 matched healthy controls. We studied differences in sociodemographic characteristics, gambling-related variables, psychiatric comorbidity (lifetime), family history of psychiatric conditions, as well as personality traits such as impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), sensation seeking (Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale) and the NEO-FFI big five. Personality traits were validated in an age- and ethnicity-matched subsample of “pure” gamblers without any psychiatric comorbidity (including nicotine dependence). Data were analyzed using two-sample t-tests, Chi2 analyses, Fisher's exact test and Pearson correlation analysis, as appropriate. Bonferroni correction was applied to correct for multiple comparisons. ResultsOnly 1% of the gamblers had been diagnosed with an impulse control disorder other than gambling (ICD-10). Notably, 88% of the gamblers in our sample had a comorbid diagnosis of substance dependence. The highest axis I comorbidity rate was for nicotine dependence (80%), followed by alcohol dependence (28%). Early age of first gambling experience was correlated with gambling severity. Compared to first-degree relatives of controls, first-degree relatives of pathological gamblers were more likely to suffer from alcohol dependence (27.0% vs. 7.4%), pathological gambling (8.3% vs. 0.7%) and suicide attempts (2.7% vs. 0.4%). Significant group differences were observed for the NEO-FFI factors neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness. Gamblers were also more impulsive than controls, but did not differ from controls in terms of sensation seeking. ConclusionsOur findings support classifying pathological gambling as a behavioural addiction in the ICD-11. This decision will have a significant impact on the approaches available for prevention (e.g. age limits) and treatment.

Sexual Sensation Seeking, Sexual Compulsivity, and Gender Identity and Its Relationship With Sexual Functioning in a Population Sample of Men and Women

IntroductionDespite awareness of the importance of psycho-affective factors in the development of sexual problems, there is a lack of studies exploring the relation of sexual sensation seeking (SSS) and sexual compulsivity (SC) to sexual functioning. Because sex differences in SSS and SC have been reported, gender identity (GI; an individual’s own experience of his or her gender that is unrelated to the actual biological sex) might act as a moderator in this relation. AimTo understand the role of SSS and SC for men and women's sexual functioning and to explore whether these potential associations are moderated by GI. MethodsA population-based cross-sectional online survey targeted 279 individuals (69.2% women, 30.8% men; mean age = 32 years). Validated questionnaires, including the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, the Sexual Compulsivity Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, and the International Index of Erectile Function, were applied. Main Outcome MeasuresVariations in SSS and SC and their association with sexual functioning were investigated using Spearman rank correlation. Moderation analyses were conducted using regression models in which the interaction terms between SSS and GI and between SCS and GI as predictors of sexual functioning were included. ResultsA statistically significant correlation between SSS and SC could be detected in men and women (r = 0.41 and 0.33, respectively; P < .001 for the two comparisons). In women, higher levels of SSS were associated with higher levels of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm and less sexual pain (P < .05 for all comparisons). No moderating effect of GI could be detected. In men, GI was a significant moderator in the relation between SC and erectile function (β = 0.47; P < .001) and between SSS and erectile and ejaculatory function (β = −0.41 and 0.30; P < .001 for the two comparisons). ConclusionThe present study is the first to show a link between SSS and SC and sexual functioning. The results might have important clinical implications and can provide useful information for programs aimed at sexual health enhancement.

A multimodal study of impulsivity and body weight: Integrating behavioral, cognitive, and neuroimaging approaches.

Dimensions of impulsivity are related to obesity. Accordingly, characterization of impulsivity in individuals with overweight and obesity holds promise for more targeted and effective intervention. Forty-five individuals (13 males, mean age = 32.6, mean body mass index [BMI] = 30.7) were recruited to determine the role of impulsivity in elevated body weight by evaluating: (1) trait impulsivity via impulsive sensation-seeking scale (ImpSS), (2) state impulsivity via continuous performance test, and (3) activation and integration of brain cognitive control regions via functional magnetic resonance imaging during a response inhibition task (i.e., stop signal task). Positive correlations were found between BMI and trait (ImpSS) as well as state impulsivity (continuous performance test, β). BMI was negatively correlated with regional activation in the temporal lobe and insula during successful response inhibition. Further, there was a positive association between BMI and functional connectivity between the right inferior frontal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus during successful response inhibition. Mediation analyses revealed that ImpSS mediated the relationship between BMI and neural response in the right inferior frontal gyrus. This multimodal study provides concordant evidence for behavioral, cognitive, and neural markers of impulsivity and elevated BMI, highlighting the need to address inhibitory control mechanisms for more effective weight management programs.

INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADULT ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (AADHD) AND PERSONALITY CORRELATES RELATED TO SENSATION SEEKING

The scientific literature is proliferated with discussions regarding childhood ADHD and there is great awareness for it in the population. In the last 20 years, however, increasing evidence has emerged to suggest the rising and unremitting persistence of ADHD well into adulthood. Due to its chronic nature, researchers are interested in the possible personality correlates that may underlie the way in which the disorder manifests. The current research examined whether the personality trait of Sensation Seeking, and its accompanying sub-dimensions of: (i) Boredom Susceptibility; (ii) Disinhibition; (iii) Experience Seeking; (iv) Thrill and Adventure Seeking; (v) Novelty; and (vi) Intensity of stimuli can explain a statistically significant amount of adult ADHD variance. In addition to the Sensation Seeking Scale form V (SSS-V), participants were also required to complete the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Significant positive correlations with adult ADHD were found for the Sensation Seeking sub-dimensions of Disinhibition and Experience Seeking. Thrill and Adventure Seeking on the other hand was found to be unrelated to ADHD in adults. Furthermore, a multiple regression analysis revealed that sensation seeking dimensions can explain a small, yet statistically significant amount of adult ADHD variance. Despite these findings, additional research is necessary to identify other possible factors that could explain adult ADHD variance. The empirical evidence regarding the role of it is scarce and inconsistent. These gaps in our understanding of the relationship between adult ADHD and personality may benefit from the identification of a moderator variable on which these relationships are contingent and that help to predict and understand when these relationships are positive and negative.