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Updated: May 22, 2026

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
Published on: February 20, 2019
Khat use is associated with increased response conflict in humans
Lorenza S Colzato1, Manuel J Ruiz, Wery P M van den Wildenberg
1Institute for Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, Leiden, The Netherlands. colzato@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Khat use significantly slows cognitive processing and impairs response conflict resolution. This suggests khat consumption negatively impacts decision-making abilities in daily life.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Khat consumption is a global phenomenon with limited research on its cognitive effects.
- Cognitive impairments in khat users require systematic investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between khat use and cognitive control functions.
- To examine changes in the emergence and resolution of response conflict in khat users.
Main Methods:
- 16 khat users and 16 matched khat-free controls participated.
- Participants were assessed using the Simon task to measure response conflict.
Main Results:
- Khat users exhibited significantly slower performance compared to controls.
- Khat users were more susceptible to stimulus-induced response conflict.
Conclusions:
- Khat use is linked to impaired behavioral control, including general slowing and reduced efficiency in resolving response conflicts.
- These cognitive deficits associated with khat use may negatively affect everyday decision-making.
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