Examining the role of impulsivity in bipolar spectrum psychopathology: identification and expression in daily life

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Sarah Sperry (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Thomas R. Kwapil

Abstract: Impulsivity is a core feature of bipolar spectrum psychopathology and may confer risk for poor outcomes or progression along the bipolar spectrum. However, the associations between different multidimensional impulsivity facets and bipolar spectrum psychopathology are not yet clear. Study 1 was a large correlational study that examined the association of the UPPS-P multidimensional model of impulsivity and a measure of bipolar spectrum psychopathology, the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS), in a large non-clinically ascertained sample of undergraduates (n=780). As predicted, the HPS was associated with negative and positive urgency, lack of premeditation, and sensation seeking with the largest effect for positive urgency. Study 2 examined the moderating role of the UPPS-P impulsivity facets with expressions of bipolar spectrum psychopathology in daily life using experience sampling methodology (n=222). The HPS was associated with relevant affective, cognitive, and behavioral components of bipolar spectrum psychopathology as well as impulsivity in daily life. Overall, positive and negative urgency did not moderate the association of bipolar spectrum psychopathology and impulsivity in daily life. Trait impulsivity appears to be a core feature of bipolar spectrum psychopathology across the continuum; however, it may not specifically confer additional risk for engaging in impulsive behaviors in daily life above and beyond having trait bipolar spectrum psychopathology. Additionally, these results suggest that ESM is a promising method for examining dynamic constructs such as bipolar spectrum psychopathology and impulsivity in daily life.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
Bipolar, Experience Sampling Methodology, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, Impulsivity
Subjects
Manic-depressive illness
Impulse control disorders

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