Citation

Sicilia AC, Lukacs JN, Jones S, Perez Algorta G. Psychol. Psychother. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Spectrum Centre for Mental Health, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, British Psychological Society)

DOI

10.1111/papt.12215

PMID

30677209

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study characterizes risk-taking behaviours in a group of people with a self-reported diagnosis of BD using fuzzy trace theory (FTT). FTT hypothesizes that risk-taking is a 'reasoned' (but sometimes faulty) action, rather than an impulsive act associated with mood fluctuations.

DESIGN: We tested whether measures of FTT (verbatim and gist-based thinking) were predictive of risk-taking intentions in BD, after controlling for mood and impulsivity. We hypothesized that FTT scales would be significant predictors of risk-taking intentions even after accounting for mood and impulsivity.

METHODS: Fifty-eight participants with BD (age range 21-78, 68% female) completed a series of online questionnaires assessing risk intentions, mood, impulsivity, and FTT.

RESULTS: Fuzzy trace theory scales significantly predicted risk-taking intentions (medium effect sizes), after controlling for mood and impulsivity consistent with FTT (part range.26 to.49). Participants with BD did not show any statistically significant tendency towards verbatim-based thinking.

CONCLUSIONS: Fuzzy trace theory gist and verbatim representations were both independent predictors of risk-taking intentions, even after controlling for mood and impulsivity. The results offer an innovative conceptualization of the mechanisms behind risk-taking in BD. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Risk-taking behaviour in bipolar disorder is not just a consequence of impulsivity. Measures of fuzzy trace theory help to understand risk-taking in bipolar disorder. FTT measures predict risk-taking intentions, after controlling for mood and impulsivity.

© 2019 The British Psychological Society.

Language: en

Keywords

bipolar disorder; decision-making; fuzzy trace theory; impulsivity; risk taking