The Role of BMI in Predicting Emotion-Driven Impulsivity and Sensitivity to Reward/Punishment in Over-Obese Adolescents
Neda Nazarboland1* and Najmeh Fath21Department of Counseling, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 2Department of Psychology, Shiraz Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract: Adolescent obesity is a complex condition affected by neuro-biological, psychological, socio-cultural and environmental factors. The role of brain reward mechanisms and associated personality traits are of growing interest in eating behavior and obesity literature. However, the findings are inconsistent. The present study aimed to examine the link between body mass index (BMI) and personality factors including sensitivity to reward/punishment (SR/SP) and impulsivity in over-obese adolescents. Ninety-two adolescents, aged 12–18 years, classified as over-obese (n = 46) and normal weight (n = 46) participated in the study. Their sensitivity to reward/punishment and the trait impulsivity was assessed using Sensitivity to Punishment and Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ) and UPPS-P Scale, respectively. Multistep hierarchical regression models were used to investigate the relative contribution of age, BMI and SR/SP on estimates of impulsivity. The BMI significantly predicted elevations in emotion-driven impulsivity (positive and negative urgency) in over-obese adolescents and SR was the main predictor of elevations in positive and negative urgency, and sensation seeking. Our findings demonstrate that increases in BMI are specifically associated with elevations in emotion-driven impulsivity.
Keywords: Adolescent Obesity; Body Mass Index; Reward/Punishment Sensitivity; Trait Impulsivity Back to TOC