Large decline in impulsivity in early adulthood related to decrease in alcohol consumption
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 - 08:21
in Psychology & Sociology
Previous studies have found that the personality trait impulsivity, or a lack of planning and forethought regarding behaviours, is associated with alcohol use and alcohol-use disorders. For most individuals, impulsivity decreases during emerging and young adulthood. Some, however, do not 'mature out' of impulsivity. Now, University of Missouri researchers have found that individuals who exhibited the largest declines in impulsivity from ages 18-25 also exhibited the sharpest decreases in alcohol consumption during this time frame. Understanding why some individuals 'mature out' of impulsivity and others do not could lead to improved treatment for alcohol-use disorders...