The cognitive instability aspect of impulsivity predicts the ERN: An ERP study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Impulsivity, defined as acting without considering consequences, may impact error detection and response.
• Impulsivity is multidimensional, with components like attention, motor control, and planning, not all of which may relate to error monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate specific facets of impulsivity that predict error monitoring.
• To explore the relationship between different components of impulsivity and the error-related negativity (ERN) using an individual differences approach.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) to measure impulsivity and its subcomponents.
• Administered a visual flanker task to assess error commission and record the associated event-related potential (ERP) component, the ERN.
• Employed regression analyses and principal component analysis on BIS-11 data.

Main Results:

• Total scores on the BIS-11 did not correlate with ERN amplitude.
• Cognitive instability, characterized by racing thoughts, emerged as a significant predictor.
• Higher cognitive instability was associated with reduced ERN amplitudes.

Conclusions:

• The cognitive instability aspect of impulsivity predicts diminished ERN amplitudes.
• This finding suggests that individual differences in racing thoughts may influence how individuals process and respond to errors, potentially relating to the motivational salience of errors.