Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Research Articles

Examining the Association between Psychopathic Traits and Fearlessness among Maximum-Security Incarcerated Male Adolescents.

Studies have reported positive associations between youth psychopathy scores and measures of 'fearlessness'. However, prior studies modified fearlessness items to be age appropriate, shifting from assessing hypothetical, extreme forms of physical risk-taking (e.g., flying an airplane) to normative risk-taking (e.g., riding bicycles downhill). We hypothesize that associations between youth psychopathy scores and alternative forms of sensation seeking (i.e., Disinhibition) have been conflated under a false fearlessness label. We tested this hypothesis among incarcerated male adolescents, investigating whether youth psychopathy scores were significantly associated with two different forms of sensation seeking: Disinhibition and Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS). Youth psychopathic traits were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD), Child Psychopathy Scale (CPS), Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits (ICU), and Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI). Disinhibition and fearlessness (i.e., TAS) were assessed using an unmodified version of the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scales (SSS). Consistent with hypotheses, youth psychopathy scores were associated with higher Disinhibition and lower TAS scores. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature suggesting that psychopathic traits, including among adolescents, are not concomitant with physical risk-taking and descriptions of psychopathy including fearlessness distort a precise understanding of psychopathy's core features.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Emotion-Focused Therapy on Sensation Seeking in Adolescents with Internet Addiction

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) on cognitive sensation seeking in adolescents with Internet addiction. Methods and Materials: This study was a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design with a control group. The population included adolescents with Internet addiction residing in Tehran, from which 45 eligible volunteers were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using Young's Internet Addiction Test (Young, 1996), and Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale (Zuckerman, 1978) at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Eight 90-minute sessions of MBCBT and eight 90-minute sessions of EFT were conducted for the experimental groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests using SPSS version 26. Findings: The results indicated that both MBCBT and EFT had a reducing effect on sensation seeking (p < .001). MBCBT and EFT showed a significant decrease over time in sensation seeking (p < .001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current study, there was no significant difference between MBCBT and EFT in reducing sensation seeking among adolescents with Internet addiction.

The Effect of Educational Program Based on the COM-B Model on the Adoption of Preventive Behaviors against the Tendency for Addiction in Sensation-Seeking Male Students of Junior School

Introduction: Drug abuse usually starts in adolescence; it is influenced by factors such as gender, age, psychological factors affecting sensation seeking and social communication. The COM-B model includes a full range of behavioral concepts and is suitable for intervention regarding substance abuse. This research was carried out with the aim of evaluating the impact of education on the prevention of substance abuse among students.
 Methods: An experimental study with a randomized controlled trial type was carried out. Using cluster method, two clusters were randomly selected from trhe schools on the outskirts of the city; one school was determined as intervention, and the other as control with a sample size of 50 people in each group. With Zuckerman's sensation seeking questionnaire, students were examined, and those with a positive score were evaluated with the COM-B substance abuse tendency questionnaire. Educational interventions were implemented for the intervention group. After completion of the intervention and three later, this questionnaire was completed by both groups.
 Results: In the intervention group, the scores of physical capacity (p=0/001), mental capacity (p=0/001), reflective motivation (p<0/05), automatic motivation (p<0/05), and preventive behavior against substance abuse increased after the intervention (p<0/05), but no significant difference was observed in the opportunity score in the studied times. In the control group, there was no significant difference in the scores of any of the variables during the study.
 Conclusion: The implementation of educational programs based on COM-B model is effective in reducing the tendency of students to abuse drugs.

Effect of Dopaminergic Therapy on Impulse Control Disorders in Patients With a Prolactinoma.

Studies have reported an increase in the incidence of impulse control disorders (ICDs) in patient groups treated with dopamine agonists (DAAs), especially in Parkinson disease (PD). However, very few studies have reported on ICDs in individuals with a prolactinoma who were treated with DAAs. To see whether a DAA by itself causes ICDs in individuals with a prolactinoma by controlling the susceptibility to impulsivity by excluding individuals with other risk factors for ICDs. We compared the performance of 31 individuals with a prolactinoma receiving DAA therapy (DAA+) on various behavioral scales and the Iowa gambling task (IGT), a neuropsychological instrument that measures risky decision-making, with the performance of 20 individuals with a prolactinoma who were not on DAA therapy (DAA-) and 30 healthy controls (HC). There was no significant difference among the groups concerning performance on the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale-V, Minnesota Impulse Disorders Interview, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, or IGT. No correlation was found between the scores on these scales and the duration or dose of DAA in the DAA+ group. The incidence of ICDs was 25.8% in the DAA+ group, 15% in the DAA- group, and 16.7% in the HC. The differences among the groups did not reach statistical significance. Individuals who are under treatment with low-dose, D 2 -selective DAAs for a prolactinoma do not face an increased risk for ICDs, especially when they are carefully screened for any psychiatric comorbidity that may also display impulsivity.

The relationship between obsession and addiction relapse with the mediation of sensation seeking in methamphetamine dependent patients

Background and Aim: In addition to the direct effect on the body, substance abuse causes psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, social and economic pressures. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between obsession and addiction relapse with the mediation of sensation seeking in self-reported addicts. Methods: The current research design was descriptive and correlational research design of the structural equation model type. The statistical population of the present study was all the methamphetamine addicted patients who were in the process of withdrawal who referred to the substance abuse treatment centers of Tehran city in 2022, out of which 250 people were selected by available sampling method. And they responded to Wright's (1993) Addiction Recurrence Questionnaire, Hodgson and Rachman's (1977) Thought-Practice Obsession and Marvin Zuckerman's (1978) Sensation Seeking Questionnaires. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling method and Lisrel 8.80 software. Results: The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between obsessive thoughts, excitement seeking and addiction relapse (P<0.01). Also, sensation seeking plays a mediating role in the relationship between obsessive thoughts and addiction relapse (P<0.01). Conclusion: It can be concluded that sensation seeking plays a mediating role in the relationship between obsessive thoughts and addiction relapse.

Differences between smokers and non-smokers in personality traits: the role of sensation seeking and core self-evaluations

ABSTRACT Objectives Smoking is recognized as one of the most important preventable causes of premature death in the world and personality traits as one of the influential factors in people’s tendency to smoke. Therefore, we conducted the present research to compare the sensation seeking and core self-evaluations in the smoking and nonsmoking population. Methods 867 people from the general population of Hormozgan Province participated in this cross-sectional study. We collected the data online using questionnaires of demographic information, smoking, Zuckerman sensation seeking and core self-evaluations. Results 38.2% of the participants in the study were smokers and 61.8% were nonsmokers. The mean scores of awareness of the harms of smoking in non-smokers and smokers were 7.43 (SD = 2.43) and 6.51 (1.72), respectively (p < 0.001). The mean scores of sensation seeking in the non-smokers and smokers were 15.10 (SD = 5.64) and 23.09 (SD = 4.18), respectively (p < 0.001). The mean scores of core self-evaluations in the non-smokers and smokers were 43.46 (SD = 6.79) and 37.9 (SD = 4.82), respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions According to the findings, smokers have lower core self-evaluations and high sensation seeking compared to non-smokers. Therefore, paying attention to these personality factors is necessary in the design and implementation of preventive therapeutic and psychological interventions in smokers.

Predictors of Gaming Disorder or Protective from It, in a French Sample: A Symptomatic Approach to Self-Regulation and Pursued Rewards, Providing Insights for Clinical Practice.

Gaming disorder (GD) is a new health condition still requiring a lot of evidence established around its underlying and related psychological mechanisms. In our study we focused on Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs), a specific very popular and engaging game genre, to determine that benefit, motivation and control aspects could be predictive of a dysfunctional engagement in gaming. In total, 313 participants were recruited from private forums of gamers between May 2009 and March 2010. They filled out a questionnaire on their socio-demographic data and their weekly gaming time. They also completed different psychometric assessments such as the DSM IV-TR criteria for substance dependence adapted to gaming such as the Dependence Adapted Scale (DAS), the external rewards they expected from gaming (External Motives), the expected internal reward they expected from gaming (Internal Motives), the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale (ZSSS), and the Barratt impulsiveness Scale (BIS-10). Results showed that some psychological factors related to online gaming represented risk factors for GD in participants (i.e., competition and advancement motives, reduced anxiety, solace, greater personal satisfaction, and sense of power), whereas some others were found to be protective factors from GD (i.e., recreation, enjoyment and experience seeking) in participants. Additionally, the study found that disinhibition, boredom susceptibility, thrill and adventure seeking, and high impulsivity were correlated to GD in participants. In conclusion, not only motives for gaming and impulsivity could be predictors for GD, but maladaptive coping strategies based on experienced relief in-game from negative feelings (anxiety and boredom) or experienced improvement in-game of self-perception (personal satisfaction, sense of power) could play as well a role of negative reinforcers for GD. Some benefits from gaming, typically entertainment and enjoyment, are shown to be protective factors from GD, playing the role of positive reinforcing factors. They are worthy of being identified and promoted as functional gaming habits. These findings can feed the clinical and health promotion fields, with a more in-depth understanding of diverse psychological factors in gamers, identifying those at risk for GD and those protective from it. The current work can foster a more balanced approach towards gaming activities, taking their opportunities for mankind and controlling for their adverse effects in some individuals.

Analysis of capability, motivation and opportunity to prevent substance abuse in sensation seeking students on the outskirts of a city in Eastern Iran: a qualitative study

BackgroundUsually, substance abuse begins in adolescence in Iran. Young people who score high on the sensation-seeking trait tend to be more prone to substance abuse and an early experience in using. According to the COM_B model, substance abuse can be observed in situations where a person has the necessary physical and mental abilities, the necessary opportunities, and competing motivations. Therefore the study aimed to deeper understand of capability, motivation, and opportunities of substance abuse behavior to design educational programs.MethodsThis study was conducted based on content analysis approach. Data were collected through a focus group discussion with 18 participants (high school male students) from the outskirts of Birjand, who received a positive score from the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Questionnaires' summary form. The group discussion was conducted using a guide to semi-structured questions based on COM-B model constructs.ResultsStudents' knowledge of substance cognition, side effects, and consequences of addiction were incomplete. Some students believed that substance use was a way to control or vent emotions and that smoking was a sedative, and private spaces and uncrowded public places were physical environments that students cited for engaging in substance use. In the analysis, 24 subcategories and 11 categories were identified for the capability analysis section, 16 subcategories and 7 categories for the motivation section, and 21 subcategories and 6 categories for the opportunity section.ConclusionsIn order to achieve more precise prevention interventions against adolescents' tendency for substance abuse and to have a more significant impact on their behaviors, it is beneficial to study the three identified factors in some of the target individuals before intervention.

The Relationship Between Emotional Self-efficacy, Sensation Seeking, and the Quality of Child-Parent Relationships With Quality of Life Mediated by High-Risk Sexual Behaviors in Students

Background: Considering the importance of quality of life which is related to various physical, psychological, social, and political dimensions of the individual and the importance of the class which plays a decisive role in forming a successful and healthy society. Also, considering the importance of high-risk behaviors in today’s society and the harm that these behaviors create, five variables of quality of life, type of parent-child relationship and sensation seeking, self-efficacy, and high-risk sexual behaviors have been studied together.Methods: The research method was descriptive-correlational with structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population included all male and female undergraduate students of Bandar Abbas Branch of Azad University who were studying in the first semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. 260 people were selected through purposive sampling. The inclusion criteria were being an undergraduate student, conscious satisfaction with the implementation method and research process. Data were gathered by the Child-Parent Relationship Quality Questionnaire (PCRS), Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale, Quality of Life Questionnaire, High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Questionnaire and Emotional Self-efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using structural equations with Amos software, version 8.80.Results: The path coefficient between high-risk sexual behaviors and quality of life was -0.84, which indicates the negative and inverse effect of high-risk sexual behaviors and quality of life. The path coefficient between the quality of the parent-child relationship and high-risk sexual behaviors was -0.86, which indicates the negative and inverse effect of the quality of the parent-child relationship and high-risk sexual behaviors.Conclusion: High-risk sexual behaviors mediate the quality of the parent-child relationship and the quality of life of students.

Clarifying fearlessness in psychopathy: An examination of thrill-seeking and physical risk-taking.

Fearlessness has been described among the traits associated with psychopathy; however, disparities in conceptualizations of fear and how related elements are operationalized among different measures of psychopathic traits have led to some enduring controversy. Here we address a subset of elements characterizing fearlessness represented in thrill-seeking and physical risk-taking among a large sample of incarcerated individuals (n = 688). We examine these relationships utilizing Hare's Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R), the Psychopathy Personality Inventory-Short Form (PPI-SF), and the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). Among males, the Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS) scale of the SSS was not related to features of the PCL-R, but was highly correlated with Fearless Dominance (FD) of the PPI-SF. Among females, TAS was only modestly correlated with PCL-R total score, but neither of the two PCL-R factors. PPI-SF FD remained a strong predictor of TAS among females. We argue for a careful consideration of the boundaries of the term "fearlessness" as it relates to diverse manifestations of behavior and varied conceptualizations of psychopathy. We also reiterate apparent differences between males and females in the presentation of psychopathic traits.

Personality characteristics of mountaineers - review of the literature.

The following paper presents the existing body of research on personality traits (within the framework of personality trait theory and Marvin Zuckerman's sensation seeking theory) of individuals engaging in high-risk sports, especially mountaineering and alpinism. In the review, two perspectives of theoretical analysis were taken into consideration: a psychological (concerning reflections on non-pathological personality characteristics of mountaineers) and a psychopathological one (concerning research on hypothetically pathological dimensions of the following traits). In both psychological and psychopathological perspective, the importance of sensation/stimulation seeking (understood as one of the personality dimensions) and deficiency of trait anxiety were analyzed. Both determinants can be linked with type T personality. In addition, numerous studies suggest that traits such as neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness may play important role in personality regulation of mountaineers. The presented reflection was supplemented by early reports referring to possible psychopathological traits, which may hypothetically indicate some personality disorders. The authors highlight the limitations of previous studies and point out possible directions of future research, in particular - necessity of including motivational factors, associated with engaging in high-risk sport activities.

Prediction of drug tendency use on the basis of religious orientation and thrill-seeking of students

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The aim of this study is to predict the trends in drug use and sensation seeking on the basis of religious orientation in students of Islamic Azad University Branch of Roodehen in the first semester of the school year 92–93. For this purpose, 120 male and female students who have been selected for a random sample of correlation between the two variables is an indicator variable and, religious orientation Alport, Zuckerman Sensation Seeking and attitude to drug use that all tests have been completed standardisation Iranian issue. As a result of this study, among variables, it can be stated that sensation seeking, experience seeking, adventure and boredom are significant predictors for basic variable (towards drug abuse), whereas diversity, avoid forbidding, internal and external religious orientation are not significant predictors for basic variable (towards drug abuse).&#x0D; Keywords: Attitude to drug use, religious orientation, thrill-seeking.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

SU114 - EARLY SEXUAL ASSAULTIVE TRAUMA, POLYGENIC RISK FOR AUD/CUD, AND NEURAL RESPONSE INHIBITION IN ADOLESCENCE AND YOUNG ADULTS: TRAJECTORIES OF FRONTAL OSCILLATIONS DURING A GO/NOGO TASK

Background Trauma, particularly when experienced early in life, may alter brain and concurrent cognitive, affective and behavioral development, thereby increasing risk for substance use disorders and related psychopathology. While research indicates that genetic factors may exacerbate these vulnerabilities, few studies have empirically examined these effects using relatively large longitudinal and genetically informative developmental samples with dense phenotyping in multiple domains. Methods The association of early assaultive, non-assaultive, and sexual-assaultive experiences prior to age 10 with developmental trajectories of neurophysiological functioning during response inhibition (frontal theta and posterior delta activity during an equal probability Go/NoGo task) were examined, using data from the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) prospective cohort, comprising offspring from high-risk and comparison families who were aged 12–22 at enrollment and who have been sought for interview every 2 years (only those with 3+ interviews were included in the present analyses, N: 3,030). Interactions with early trauma exposures and polygenic risk for Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders (AUD, CUD) based on recently published GWAS data, were examined. Additionally, associations of neurophysiological functioning with AUD, CUD, Externalizing (EXT) and Internalizing (INT) psychopathology measured at each individual's last assessment were examined. Models were adjusted for age, gender, self-reported race/ethnicity, parental alcohol use disorders, and participants' own alcohol and cannabis use. Results Individuals exposed to sexual assaultive trauma prior to age 10 had altered developmental trajectories of NoGo frontal theta; the typical developmental change in frontal theta activity observed throughout adolescence and young adulthood occurred at a slower rate among those who had been exposed to early sexual assault, but not other types of trauma, compared to those who were not exposed (controlling for other types of assaultive and non-assaultive trauma exposure). Importantly, effects remained significant after accounting for parental history of AUD and participants’ own alcohol and cannabis use. Associations were more robust for participants with greater polygenic risk for AUD, but not CUD. Further, changes in NoGo frontal theta development was associated with increased risk for AUD and INT (mood disorders and suicidal ideation), but not CUD or EXT (conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder). Post-hoc analyses showed that early sexual assault was associated with higher rates of impulsivity (Barrett Impulsivity Scale) and sensation seeking (Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale). Discussion Findings support the hypothesis that childhood sexual assault may influence young adult AUD and INT via alterations in genetic, brain and behavioral development in adolescence and young adulthood. However, future studies are needed to disentangle complex interactions among genetic and psycho-social influences on neurobiological development.

Prediction of High-Risk Behaviors Based on Emotional Intelligence and Sensation Seeking among Drivers in Shiraz

The purpose of this research was to predict high-risk behaviors based on emotional intelligence and sensation seeking among drivers in Shiraz in 2018. The Method was descriptive - correlational study. Population contained of 230 drivers of above regions 2 and 3 in Shiraz. The sample consisted of 230 drivers from regions 2 and 3 via accessible sampling. Data collection tools included Siberia Sherring Emotional Intelligence questionnaire, Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale and Risen & et al High- risk Scale. The results of the analysis of the data showed that there was significant relationship between high-risk behaviors and emotional intelligence among drivers, as emotional intelligence can predict high-risk behaviors among drivers. Also there was significant relationship between high-risk behaviors and sensation seeking among drivers, as sensation seeking can predict high-risk behaviors among drivers. Results showed that emotional intelligence and sensation seeking can predict high-risk behaviors among drivers in Shiraz. Therefore it is necessary to take steps to increase emotional intelligence and decreasing sensation seeking to decrease high-risk behaviors among drivers and then decreased many road accidents.

Online dating is associated with sex addiction and social anxiety.

Background and aimsThere is an increasing use of the Internet for dating and sexual purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of social anxiety and sensation seeking to ratings of sex addiction among those who use dating Internet sites.MethodsA total of 279 participants (128 males and 151 females), with overall mean age being 25 years (SD = 2.75) and age range of 18–38, answered questionnaires on the Internet. Questionnaires included demographic details, Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale, and Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST).ResultsThe users of Internet-dating applications showed higher scores on the SAST than non-users. Second, participants who had low scores of sex addiction had lower social anxiety scores than the participants with high scores of sexual addiction. There was no difference in sensation-seeking scores between participants with low and high scores of sexual addiction.Discussion and conclusionsThe results of this study indicate that social anxiety rather than sensation seeking or gender is a major factor affecting the use of Internet-dating applications for obtaining sexual partners.

Sensation seeking, binge-type eating disorders, victimization, and PTSD in the National Women's Study

ObjectiveHigher degrees of sensation seeking (SS) are reported in community and clinical samples of individuals with eating disorders with binge-type features (BTEDs), but no reports exist in representative probability samples of adult women. Additionally, SS has been linked to victimization and PTSD, also associated with BTEDs, yet interrelationships between these variables are unexplored. MethodsA national, probability sample of 3006 adult women (≥18 y/o) completed structured telephone interviews including assessments for victimization, PTSD, bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). The survey included the 6 items of the Disinhibition-Intentions for the Future (DIF) subscale of Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale-VI, which asks how likely participants would be to engage in given activities. Total SS score (TSSS-DIFS) was the sum of the 6 items' scores. Differences among the 3 groups (BN, BED, non-BN/BED) were compared using ANOVA covaried by age and post-hoc t-tests. Multiple regression tested the effects of age, number of victimization experiences (NVE), lifetime PTSD, and BTEDs on TSSS-DIFS. ResultsThere were significant differences in TSSS-DIFS across BTED diagnoses (p ≤ .001). Participants with BN (p ≤ .002) and those with BED (p ≤ .01) had significantly higher scores than those without BTEDs. These findings persisted in both groups after correcting for NVE and lifetime PTSD. TSSS-DIFS was significantly higher in participants with BTED with PTSD versus those without (p ≤ .025). DiscussionSS traits related to disinhibition occur more commonly in U.S. adult women with BN and BED, even after controlling for NVE and PTSD, which were also associated with higher TSSS-DIFS.

Methodological factors as a potential source of discordance between self-report and behavioral measures of impulsivity and related constructs

There is a consistent but poorly understood finding that self-report and behavioral measures of impulsivity are weakly correlated or uncorrelated. There are many possible explanations for this observation, including differences in how these instruments are administered and scored. The present study examined the utility of alternative scoring algorithms for self-report measures that aim to identify participants' peak impulsivity (or self-control), informed by estimates of item difficulty from Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses. College students were administered self-report questionnaires (Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale [ZSS], Barratt Impulsiveness Scale [BIS-11], behavioral measures related to risk-taking and impulsivity (Balloon Analog Risk Task [BART], Experiential Discounting Task [EDT]), and the substance use module of a clinical interview (past-six-month alcohol and marijuana use). IRT analyses were conducted on self-report measures to estimate item difficulty. Scoring algorithms ranked items by difficulty and scored items based on consecutive items endorsed or denied. A maximal scoring algorithm increased the concordance between the BIS-11 and BART (r = 0.08 vs. −0.07), but there was no evidence of increased incremental validity for substance-use. Findings suggest that methodological factors may help explain the poor concordance of self-report and behavioral measures of impulsivity, but the magnitude of these correlations remained quite small. Further, alternative scoring algorithms were correlated with substance use but did not explain any variance that was distinct from typical algorithms. Future directions are discussed for elucidating the discrepancy between self-report and behavioral measures of impulsivity-related constructs, such as using large self-report item pools to develop computer adaptive tests.

Traženje senzacija i anksioznost kod narkomana

The aim of the conducted research was to determine the correlation between the dimensions of the sensation seeking and anxiety. Also, it searched for significant differences in the level of expression of the dimensions of the sensation seeking and the anxiety between drug addicts and non-addicts. The sample was intentional (N=70) and it consisted of 35 drug addicts, treated for psycho active substance addiction at the Mental Health Clinic in Nis, and 35 subjects with no symptoms of addiction and without a history of substance abuse treatment, equal in age and educational attainment with a group of drug addicts. Applied instruments included Zuckerman sensation seeking scale (SSS - V), the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory - Form Y (STAI) and a survey designed for the research purposes. Statistically significant differences in the expression of the sensation-seeking and general anxiety dimensions between drug addicts and non-addicts were determined. Compared to the non-clinical sub-sample, drug addicts have demonstrated more prominent excitement seeking dimensions as well as boredom sensitivity and general anxiety. What was also established was the statistically significant positive and moderate correlation between the situational anxiety and the excitement and adventure seeking on the sub-sample of non-addicts. The results showed a low and negative statistically significant correlation between the disinhibition dimension and the age of both sub-samples. However, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the situational anxiety and years of age of the drug-addict subcontract. The obtained results have partially confirmed the initial assumptions of the research and opened new questions about sensation seeking and anxiety in drug addicts, and how they are all connected. The practical implications of the conducted research are reflected in the possibility of applying the obtained results in advisory and therapeutic work with drug addicts in order to establish a better quality of life and better healing prognosis. These results could be put to use by clinical psychologists in their practice in an attempt to improve the quality of health care and provide psycho-social support to all patients treated for addiction. A good insight into the problem of research and the establishment of links between these concepts should improve existing knowledge and create a suitable foundation for the establishment of new preventive programs for addiction diseases.

Associations between energy drink consumption and alcohol use among college students

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aims of our study are to research the general features of energy drink consumption among college students, the association between energy drink consumption and alcohol use while controlling for demographic attributes and general risk taking propensity. Methods: The study was carried out using data collected from 2,632 college students at Trakya University (Edirne, Turkey). The study data were obtained from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Addiction Profile Index, Energy Drink Consumption Data Form, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale. Results: Of all the students, 59.9% had used energy drinks within the last year and 26.4% had used energy drinks within the last 1 month. Of the subjects who used energy drinks within the last month, 26.1% had high consumption frequency (≥6 days/month). Energy drink consumption within the last year and last month predicted alcohol use within the last year and last month, binge drinking, and hazardous/harmful alcohol use in the logistic regression analysis. In addition, the high energy drink consumption frequency predicted hazardous/harmful alcohol use. Discussion: The association between energy drink consumption and alcohol use, independent from other variables related to alcohol use, highlights the importance of raising awareness among college students.

Impulsivity, Sensation Seeking, and Decision-Making in Long-Term Abstinent Cannabis Dependent Patients

In contrast to several studies that examined different domains of neurocognitive functions in long-term abstinent cannabis users, there are few studies examined impulsivity in cannabis users with prolonged abstinence. The aim of this study was to test whether impulsivity and sensation seeking traits and impulsive decision-making are transient or enduring in patients with cannabis dependence who were abstinent for at least 1 month. The study included 30 patients with cannabis dependence (CDP) who had been abstinent for at least 1 month and 30 healthy controls. All the participants were male and the two groups were matched for age and duration of education. As a result of Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) evaluation, there was no significant group (CDP vs. control) by block interaction in IGT performance (p=0.680). CDP showed significantly higher Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) total (p=0.006), BIS-11 non-planning (p=0.006) and Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale experience seeking subscale (p=0.001) scores compared with controls. This is the first study to investigate decision-making, self-report impulsivity and sensation seeking in long-term abstinent CDP. Our findings suggest that both self-report impulsivity and experience seeking may reflect a stable trait in CDP but not deficits on decision-making. This suggestion is consistent with the hypothesis that elevated impulsivity and sensation seeking traits may lead to addiction when they occur together rather than alone.