Impulsivity, sensation seeking and reproductive behaviour: A life history perspective

Copping, L.; Campbell, A.; Muncer, S.

Abstract

Impulsivity has often been invoked as a proximate driver of different life-history strategies. However, conceptualisations of “impulsivity” are inconsistent and ambiguities exist regarding which facets of impulsivity are actually involved in the canalisation of reproductive strategies. Two variables commonly used to represent impulsivity were examined in relation to reproductive behaviour. Results demonstrated that sensation seeking was significantly related to strategy-based behaviour, but impulsivity (defined as a failure to deliberate) was only weakly correlated. The effect of impulsivity disappeared when sensation seeking was controlled. Sex differences emerged for sensation seeking but not impulsivity. We conclude that “impulsivity” is not a unitary trait and that clearer distinctions should be made between facets of this construct.

Citation

Copping, L., Campbell, A., & Muncer, S. (2013). Impulsivity, sensation seeking and reproductive behaviour: A life history perspective. Personality and Individual Differences, 54(8), 908-912. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.01.003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 9, 2013
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: May 2, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 22, 2016
• Journal: Personality and Individual Differences
• Print ISSN: 0191-8869
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 54
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 908-912
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2013.01.003
• Keywords: Life history, Reproduction, Impulsivity, Evolution, Sensation seeking.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1457647