Citation

Leung D, Staiger PK, Hayden M, Lum JA, Hall K, Manning V, Verdejo-García A. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017; 172: 21-33.

Affiliation

Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, 54-62 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.11.034

PMID

28107679

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates that substance-related cognitive biases (attentional, memory, and approach bias) contribute to the maintenance and development of substance misuse. Impulsivity has been suggested to influence how cognitive biases contribute to substance misuse, possibly by biasing incentive salience attribution processes. However, the strength and moderators of the relationship between impulsivity and substance-related cognitive biases has yet to be empirically examined.

METHODS: A meta-analysis using random-effects models was completed assessing 19 studies that reported a quantitative relationship between an impulsivity measure and a substance-related cognitive bias. Two-component conceptualisation of impulsivity, impulsivity measurement type, gender, and age were assessed as moderators.

RESULTS: A small, significant positive relationship (r=0.10) was observed between impulsivity and substance-related attentional, memory, and approach biases. No moderators examined had a significant influence on this relationship.

CONCLUSIONS: Results are consistent with incentive sensitisation theories of addiction and suggests a weak synergistic relationship between impulsivity and substance-related cognitive biases. This relationship holds across different measures and components of impulsivity.

RESULTS provide some support for the viability of impulsivity and cognitive bias interaction models which may warrant further investigation of these factors in relation to predicting addiction treatment outcomes.

Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Cognitive bias; Impulsivity; Meta-analysis; Review; Substance misuse