Citation

Stautz K, Cooper A. Pers. Individ. Dif. 2014; 60(Suppl): S4.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.paid.2013.07.152

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Adolescence is a developmental period when impulsivity and sensation seeking are heightened and when risk-taking behaviour is at a peak. Impulsivity is currently understood to be a multifaceted construct involving a number of discrete traits, yet it is unclear which of these traits are most pertinent to adolescent risk-taking. In this presentation I will outline research investigating relationships between various impulsivity-related traits and aspects of substance use in adolescence.

RESULTS of a meta-analysis of studies looking at impulsivity and adolescent alcohol use will be presented, followed by empirical data exploring relationships between impulsivity-related traits and the problematic use of alcohol and cannabis in a sample of 270 adolescent students (mean age = 16.8). Particular attention will be given to explaining how this data fits with a wider theory of adolescent risk-taking, and how aspects of reward processing and behavioural control might interact to produce elevated risk for negative outcomes.