Understanding the Role of

Emotions in Risk Taking Health

BehaviorsTamika Zapolski, Ph.D.

Department of PsychologyIndiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis

Impulsivity • The broad trait of impulsivity has been used over

the years to explain engagement in various risk processes, including substance abuse

• Many definitions of impulsivityo Distractibility o Short attention spano Sensation seekingo Susceptibility to boredomo Acting without thinkingo Emotionally triggered rash action

5 Dimensions of Impulsivity

• Researchers have identified 5 specific dispositions to rash action (Cyders & Smith, 2007, 2008; Whiteside & Lynam, 2001)o Sensation Seekingo Low Conscientiousness

• Lack of Planning• Lack of Perseverance

o Urgency• Positive Urgency• Negative Urgency

Sensation Seeking• Tendency to seek out novel or thrilling stimulation

• Predicts involvement in highly stimulating risky behavioro Riding roller coasterso Jumping out of treeso Bungee jumpingo Parachutingo Number of sexual partners

• Predicts frequency of behaviors o Alcohol useo Gambling

Lack of Planning & Perseverance

• Tendency to act without forethought• Failure to tolerate boredom or retain focus

• Predicts academic performance

Positive and Negative Urgency

• Emotion-based risk taking• Tendency to engage in rash action due to the

experience of intense mood states

Maladaptive Behaviors• Aggressive behavior• Suicide attempts• Problem drinking• High quantity drinking• Risky sexual behavior

• Binge eating• Drug use• Smoking• Sexting• Gambling

Interventions• Highly stimulating media messages suggesting

alternatives• Bank of safe, stimulating activities

Sensation Seeking

• Cognitive mediation trainingLack of

Planning• CBT (and medication)• Gauge attend span and distractibility

• Modify environment• Reduce procrastination and increase follow-

through

Lack of Perseveran

ce

Positive Urgency Interventions

Identify safer alternatives

Identify warning signs Develop reminder cues of LT goals• Condom use (Dal Cin et al., 2006)

Dal Cin et al (2006)• 196 into psychology

students• 3 intervention groups

o Standard safe sexo Safe-sex with reminder

braceleto Drinking & driving (control)

• Follow-up session (5-7 weeks later) on condom use

Negative Urgency Interventions

Emotion Regulation-identifying and managing

emotional reactions

Distress Tolerance-learning how to accept and

tolerate distress

Interpersonal Effectiveness-asserting needs and managing

conflict

Mindfulness-learning to observe and

describe emotions without judgment

Dialectical Behavior Therapy(Linehan, 1993)

Summary• Many disorders or “problem” behaviors that include

aspects of impulsive behavior• We have been able to identify two specific impulsivity-

like personality traits that influence involvement in risky behaviors

• Positive Urgency:o Awareness of risk & Cues to combat behavior

• Negative Urgency:o Awareness of risko Specific emotion based intervention (DBT skills)

• Emotion Regulation• Distress Tolerance• Interpersonal Effectiveness• Mindfulness