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Interoceptive accuracy predicts nonplanning trait impulsivity

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 16:55 authored by Aleksandra Herman, Charlotte RaeCharlotte Rae, Hugo CritchleyHugo Critchley, Dora Duka
Influential theories concerning personality argue that many impulsive individuals show physiological underarousal at rest. This interoceptive state is proposed to be egodystonic, motivating impulsive maladaptive actions to enhance arousal. However, there is little empirical research on this matter. The current study tested the relationship between physiological markers of arousal, measures of interoceptive (in)sensitivity, and trait impulsivity in a nonclinical sample of young adults. Experiment 1 investigated whether individuals (N = 31) with high trait impulsivity show decreased resting measures of arousal (indexed from heart rate, heart rate variability, and sympathetic electrodermal activity). Experiment 2 assessed whether trait impulsivity is linked to interoceptive abilities (N = 60). Overall, our results do not provide any compelling support for the underarousal theory of impulsivity. However, impaired interoceptive (cardiac discrimination) accuracy predicted the degree of Barratt nonplanning impulsivity, such that individuals with a better ability to distinguish between internal (bodily) and external signals manifest lower levels of nonplanning trait impulsivity. These findings open an avenue for potential novel interventions aimed at improving planning abilities via better interoceptive discrimination.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Psychophysiology

ISSN

0048-5772

Publisher

Wiley

Issue

6

Volume

56

Page range

1-14

Article number

e13339

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Neuroscience Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science Publications
  • Sussex Neuroscience Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-02-19

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-02-18

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