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Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking: Differing Associations with Psychological Well-Being

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  • Russell D. Ravert

    (University of Missouri)

  • M. Brent Donnellan

    (Michigan State University)

Abstract

Sensation seeking and lack of inhibition are often discussed as risk factors for hazardous and maladaptive behavior, particularly during the transition into adulthood. However, some degree and types of novelty-seeking and exploration may also be adaptive and conducive to psychological well-being. The current study examines associations between sensation seeking, impulsivity, and well-being in a large US adult sample (n = 1399, mean age = 36.2 years, range: 18–78). As conceptualized by the UPPS-P model (Whiteside and Lynam, Personality and Individual Differences, 30(4), 669-689, 2001), sensation seeking (pursuit of stimulation) was distinguished from other forms of impulsivity (lack of inhibition) by having a positive association with psychological well-being, eudaimonic well-being, and mental health status. Those positive relations were stronger for younger adults compared to older adults. Negative urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, and positive urgency all held either negative or null associations with well-being. Findings indicate that sensation seeking has positive associations with psychological and eudaimonic well-being, in contrast to other elements of impulsivity, and particularly among younger adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Russell D. Ravert & M. Brent Donnellan, 2021. "Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking: Differing Associations with Psychological Well-Being," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(4), pages 1503-1515, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:16:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s11482-020-09829-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-020-09829-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blanchflower, David G. & Oswald, Andrew J., 2004. "Well-being over time in Britain and the USA," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(7-8), pages 1359-1386, July.
    2. Wiklund, Johan & Yu, Wei & Tucker, Reginald & Marino, Louis D., 2017. "ADHD, impulsivity and entrepreneurship," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 627-656.
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    Cited by:

    1. Heng Yang & Jianbin Jin, 2022. "Shared Destiny in the Digital Era: Sensation Seeking, Loneliness, and Excessive Internet Use among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Mainland China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Alejandra Caqueo-Urízar & Diego Atencio-Quevedo & Alfonso Urzúa & Jerome Flores & Matías Irarrázaval, 2022. "The Mediating Role of Contextual Problems and Sensation Seeking in the Association between Substance Use and Mental Health in Adolescents from Northern Chile," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-12, February.

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