Laboratory and self-report assessments of impulsive behavior in adolescent daily smokers and nonsmokers.

Abstract

This research compared adolescent daily smokers (n=25) and nonsmokers (n=26) on different measures of impulsivity. Assessments included question-based measures of delay (DDQ) and probability (PDQ) discounting, a measure of behavioral disinhibition (go-stop task), and a self-report measure of impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Adolescent). Adolescent smokers were more impulsive on the DDQ and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale--Adolescent but not on the PDQ or the go-stop task. However, there was a significant interaction between smoking status and gender on the go-stop task, with male smokers performing less impulsively on this measure than male nonsmokers--an effect not observed with the female adolescents. These findings indicate that adolescents who smoke cigarettes are more impulsive with respect to some, but not all, types of impulsivity than are adolescents who do not smoke.

The role of impulsive behavior in drug abuse

“…Individual differences in impulsivity may also influence abstinence, treatment, and relapse (H1). Alternatively, impulsivity and drug abuse may be associated through a third factor that influences drug intake during all phases of addiction (H3) of discounting were found in adolescent smokers compared to nonsmokers (Audrain-McGovern et al 2004;Reynolds et al 2007, but see Reynolds et al 2003) and in heavy adolescent alcohol drinkers compared to light adolescent drinkers (Field et al 2007). Adolescents who discounted more had lower grades and self-esteem and greater involvement with cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana (Wulfert et al 2002).…”

Initial nicotine sensitivity in humans as a function of impulsivity

“…Most of the measures have been used in prior research on impulsivity and smoking or other drug use (e.g., Bickel et al 1999;Mitchell 1999;Reynolds et al 2007). These measures were assessed during the screening session prior to any experimental sessions involving nicotine exposure (see "Procedures", below).…”

“…Subjects performed four sets of 64 trials, with an inter-trial interval of 2 s. 9. The computerized delay discounting task was adapted from those used in smoking research by others (Bickel et Mitchell 1999;Ohmura et al 2005;Reynolds et al 2007). Participants were given a series of choices, in random order, between receiving $10 at some later time versus a smaller amount available immediately.…”

“…For example, Reynolds et al (2007) found that adolescent smokers appear more impulsive than adolescent nonsmokers on some measures, such as the self-report Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) and a behavioral delay discounting task (i.e., degree to which smaller but immediate rewards are preferred over larger but delayed rewards) but not on other measures (probability discounting, stop-go task). Smoking status among adults is also related to delay discounting and other impulsivity measures (e.g., Bickel et al 1999;Mitchell 1999).…”

Response Perseveration and Ventral Prefrontal Sensitivity to Reward and Punishment in Male Problem Gamblers and Smokers

“…Third, smoking status was not an exclusion criterion for the PG group in the Goudriaan et al study. Smoking is also related with impulsivity (Mitchell, 1999;Reynolds et al, 2007). The combination of smoking and problem gambling may have led to decreased performance on the ToL on the Goudriaan et al study.…”