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Impulsivity traits and addiction-related behaviors in youth.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Rømer Thomsen, Kristine 
Callesen, Mette Buhl 
Hesse, Morten 
Kvamme, Timo Lehmann 
Pedersen, Michael Mulbjerg 

Abstract

Background and aims Impulsivity is a risk factor for addictive behaviors. The UPPS-P impulsivity model has been associated with substance addiction and gambling disorder, but its role in other non-substance addiction-related behaviors is less understood. We sought to examine associations between UPPS-P impulsivity traits and indicators of multiple substance and non-substance addiction-related behaviors in youth with varying involvement in these behaviors. Methods Participants (N = 109, aged 16-26 years, 69% males) were selected from a national survey based on their level of externalizing problems to achieve a broad distribution of involvement in addiction-related behaviors. Participants completed the UPPS-P Questionnaire and standardized questionnaires assessing problematic use of substances (alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs) and non-substances (Internet gaming, pornography, and food). Regression analyses were used to assess associations between impulsivity traits and indicators of addiction-related behaviors. Results The UPPS-P model was positively associated with indicators of all addiction-related behaviors except problematic Internet gaming. In the fully adjusted models, sensation seeking and lack of perseverance were associated with problematic use of alcohol, urgency was associated with problematic use of cannabis, and lack of perseverance was associated with problematic use of other drugs than cannabis. Furthermore, urgency and lack of perseverance were associated with binge eating and lack of perseverance was associated with problematic use of pornography. Discussion and conclusions We emphasize the role of trait impulsivity across multiple addiction-related behaviors. Our findings in at-risk youth highlight urgency and lack of perseverance as potential predictors for the development of addictions and as potential preventative therapeutic targets.

Description

Keywords

Internet gaming, addiction, binge eating, impulsivity, pornography, substance use, Adolescent, Adult, Behavior, Addictive, Cross-Sectional Studies, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Female, Humans, Impulsive Behavior, Male, Multivariate Analysis, Personality, Regression Analysis, Substance-Related Disorders, Young Adult

Journal Title

J Behav Addict

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2062-5871
2063-5303

Volume Title

7

Publisher

Akademiai Kiado Zrt.
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (093705/Z/10/Z)
Medical Research Council (MR/P008747/1)
The project was supported by Aarhus University Research Foundation (AUFF), Assistant Professor Starting Grant - R46-A4016 (K.R.T., M.B.C., V.V., M.U.P.); Danish Ministry for Social Affairs and the Interior - 9173-0003 (K.R.T., M.B.C., M.U.P., M.M.P., T.L.K.); and Medical Research Council (MRC), Senior Clinical Fellowship - MR/P008747/1 (V.V.).