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Degree

Masters in Psychology, Marietta College, Psychology, 2008.

Abstract

The present research examined family history, sensation seeking, and impulsivity as predictors ofalcohol abuse. Past studies have shown that alcohol abuse seems to have a genetic influence, yet personality traits such as sensation seeking and impulsivity have also been shown to relate to problematic use. The purpose of this research is to investigate these issues further, as well as examine the utility of the TOVA as a measure of impulsivity. It was hypothesized that sensation seeking and impulsivity will be better predictors of alcohol abuse in college students compared to family history. This hypothesis was supported to an extent. Replicating prior research sensation seeking was a significant predictor of alcohol abuse in college students. Impulsivity was only a significant predictor when the BIS measure was used; however its unique contribution was eliminated once sensation seeking was added to the model. These finding suggest that the TOVA is not a better behavioral measure of impulsivity, nor is family history a significant predictor of problematic drinking in this sample.

Subject Headings

Psychology

Keywords

alcohol abuse; sensation seeking; impulsivity; TOVA

Committee / Advisors

Ryan K. May, PhD (Advisor)
Mark Sibicky, PhD (Committee Member)

Pages

40p.

Document number: marietta1212534522
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marietta1212534522

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