Parent university handouts 2017 "Taking a Bite Out of Challenging Behaviors"
Understanding the Role of Emotions in Risk Taking Health Behaviors
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Transcript of Understanding the Role of Emotions in Risk Taking Health Behaviors
Understanding the Role of
Emotions in Risk Taking Health
BehaviorsTamika Zapolski, Ph.D.
Department of PsychologyIndiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis
Impulsivity • The broad trait of impulsivity has been used over
the years to explain engagement in various risk processes, including substance abuse
• Many definitions of impulsivityo Distractibility o Short attention spano Sensation seekingo Susceptibility to boredomo Acting without thinkingo Emotionally triggered rash action
5 Dimensions of Impulsivity
• Researchers have identified 5 specific dispositions to rash action (Cyders & Smith, 2007, 2008; Whiteside & Lynam, 2001)o Sensation Seekingo Low Conscientiousness
• Lack of Planning• Lack of Perseverance
o Urgency• Positive Urgency• Negative Urgency
Sensation Seeking• Tendency to seek out novel or thrilling stimulation
• Predicts involvement in highly stimulating risky behavioro Riding roller coasterso Jumping out of treeso Bungee jumpingo Parachutingo Number of sexual partners
• Predicts frequency of behaviors o Alcohol useo Gambling
Lack of Planning & Perseverance
• Tendency to act without forethought• Failure to tolerate boredom or retain focus
• Predicts academic performance
Positive and Negative Urgency
• Emotion-based risk taking• Tendency to engage in rash action due to the
experience of intense mood states
Maladaptive Behaviors• Aggressive behavior• Suicide attempts• Problem drinking• High quantity drinking• Risky sexual behavior
• Binge eating• Drug use• Smoking• Sexting• Gambling
Interventions• Highly stimulating media messages suggesting
alternatives• Bank of safe, stimulating activities
Sensation Seeking
• Cognitive mediation trainingLack of
Planning• CBT (and medication)• Gauge attend span and distractibility
• Modify environment• Reduce procrastination and increase follow-
through
Lack of Perseveran
ce
Positive Urgency Interventions
Identify safer alternatives
Identify warning signs Develop reminder cues of LT goals• Condom use (Dal Cin et al., 2006)
Dal Cin et al (2006)• 196 into psychology
students• 3 intervention groups
o Standard safe sexo Safe-sex with reminder
braceleto Drinking & driving (control)
• Follow-up session (5-7 weeks later) on condom use
Negative Urgency Interventions
Emotion Regulation-identifying and managing
emotional reactions
Distress Tolerance-learning how to accept and
tolerate distress
Interpersonal Effectiveness-asserting needs and managing
conflict
Mindfulness-learning to observe and
describe emotions without judgment
Dialectical Behavior Therapy(Linehan, 1993)
Summary• Many disorders or “problem” behaviors that include
aspects of impulsive behavior• We have been able to identify two specific impulsivity-
like personality traits that influence involvement in risky behaviors
• Positive Urgency:o Awareness of risk & Cues to combat behavior
• Negative Urgency:o Awareness of risko Specific emotion based intervention (DBT skills)
• Emotion Regulation• Distress Tolerance• Interpersonal Effectiveness• Mindfulness