Honors Thesis Archive
| Author | Kira van Ravensberg |
|---|---|
| Title | Concussions and its Effect on Impulsivity and Inhibition |
| Department | Psychology |
| Advisor | Michael Anes |
| Year | 2024 |
| Honors | University Honors |
| Full Text | View Thesis (354 KB) |
| Abstract | Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can result in physical, functional, and behavioral consequences. Behavioral manifestations that arise include impulsivity. Impulsivity can be defined as acting without prior thinking or planning. Previous studies have found that impulsivity has been affected by sustaining a concussion. In the present study we related prior concussion history to impulsivity. Participants completed a background survey related to their concussion history, a modified version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale as a self-report measure, and an online Go/No-Go task as a behavioral measure. The Go/No-Go task used two levels of perceptual degradation (blur) to slow perception so that responding may be slowed and inhibitory processes may be improved resulting in fewer commission errors. We found a positive correlation between the subcomponents of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale we presented (motor and self-control). Negative correlations were also found relating to age and self-reported impulsivity; and self-reported impulsivity and accuracy in blurred No-Go conditions (commission errors). Concussion participants reported significantly more impulsivity. Concussion status did not significantly affect No-Go accuracy. While participants with concussions self-reported to be more impulsive, there was no significant effect found between the participant’s concussion history and their accuracy on the Go/No-Go task. |
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