Executive function, impulsivity, and risky behaviors in young adults

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Executive function deficits and impulsivity are linked to risky behaviors in brain-damaged patients.
• Limited research exists on these associations in healthy adults, particularly across multiple risk domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between executive function, self-reported impulsivity, and engagement in risky behaviors among healthy young adults.
• To investigate which aspects of executive function and impulsivity best predict diverse risky behaviors, including substance use, sexual activity, and antisocial acts.

Main Methods:

• Healthy undergraduates (n=56) completed executive function tasks (Iowa Gambling Task, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) and an impulsivity questionnaire (UPPS-P).
• Self-report measures assessed risky sexual activities, drug use, and antisocial behaviors over a two-month interval.

Main Results:

• Executive function demonstrated a robust relationship with risk-taking, explaining more variance than impulsivity.
• Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance correlated with risky sexual and substance use behaviors.
• Iowa Gambling Task performance was uniquely linked to antisocial acts, while trait impulsivity correlated with sexual behavior.

Conclusions:

• Executive function, particularly decision-making under risk and perseveration, is a significant predictor of risky behaviors in healthy young adults.
• These findings extend the ecological validity of executive function assessments and highlight the role of cognitive control in modulating risk-taking behavior.