The neuropsychology of self-control and risk-taking : a focus on impulsive behaviour

Impulsivity is a behaviour that has received several definitions. The most recent and widely accepted definition hypothesises that it is influenced by several separate behaviours including self-control, risk-taking and inhibitory control. Drug abusers and pathological gamblers have been found to exhibit less self-control than healthy controls which may be linked to their focus on short term, potentially damaging rewards, (e.g. positive effects of drug taking) rather than longer term rewards (e.g. better health) thus exacerbating their addiction. The links between risk-taking and addiction are not well understood as the few studies in this area have found contrasting results.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo