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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Psychology
Notes
- Abstract:
- The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationships between impulsivity, frequency of drug use, and two aspects of cognitive functioning: working memory and processing speed. Two theories are proposed that attempt to explain the relationship between these variables. First, the trait-based theory holds than an impulsive predisposition precedes and determines the extent of drug use and abuse. Second, the drug-induced state theory holds that drug use itself increases the probability of impulsive thinking and impulsive behaviors. Research supports that impulsivity and drug use interact in complex ways that affect cognitive processes. In the current study, it was predicted that impulsivity would be positively correlated with frequency of drug use, and negatively correlated to working memory and processing speed. It was also predicted that frequency of drug use would be negatively correlated with working memory and processing speed. Participants were 101 students recruited from a private university in Miami, Florida. Data was collected in face-to-face interviews and students were compensated with extra credit in their psychology classes. Impulsivity was measured using the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale – 11 (BIS-11; Patton, Stanford, & Barratt, 1995). Drug use was measured using a Substance Use Questionnaire which was comprised of questions adapted from the Substance Use History Questionnaire (SUHQ) and the Drug Use Questionnaire (DAST-20). Cognitive functioning was assessed using two subscales, Coding and Letter-Number Sequencing, from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV). Demographic information was also collected. As predicted, and consistent with previous literature, impulsivity was found to have a significant positive relationship with drug use. However, contrary to our prediction, impulsivity was not significantly related to the two aspects of cognitive functioning measured, working memory or processing speed. Also contrary to our prediction, we did not find a significant relationship between frequency of drug use and working memory or processing speed. Additional analyses revealed that men reported significantly higher frequency of substance use and scored significantly higher than women on motor impulsivity. It was also found that women scored significantly higher than men on processing speed. Whites were found to score significantly higher than African Americans on working memory as well as motor impulsivity. Hispanics reported significantly higher frequency of substance use than African Americans. Atheists/Agnostics reported significantly higher rates of drug use than Protestant Christians and also scored significantly higher on working memory than Roman Catholics. Theoretical and practical implications for these results were discussed. There were several limitations in this study that should be taken into account in future research. Although a relatively notable portion of the participants in the current study were found to be highly impulsive (19%), many of them did not use drugs (25%). Hence, drug use may have served as a mediating variable between initial levels of impulsivity and deficits in working memory and processing speed, which may be why a direct relationship between drug use and cognitive functioning was not found. Also, participants were not part of a clinical population and tended to be younger in age. Because of this, we were not able to obtain a sample of long-term drug users in which prolonged drug use may have had its permanent effects. Future research should investigate the effects that long term drug use has on cognitive functioning over time among individuals diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders, in a longitudinal study conducted from adolescence through adulthood.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (M.S)--Barry University 2013.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 59-74).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Patricia Sotolongo. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- RC564.S67 2013_SotolongoPatricia ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- RC564.S67 2013 ( lcc )
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