Addiction - PERSONALITY risk factors Flashcards
(7 cards)
How do personality characteristics influence addiction according to Eysenck?
Individuals with neurotic and psychopathic traits are thought to be more vulnerable to addiction. These traits may drive people to use substances to escape negative emotions and stress, which can lead to addiction.
What is neuroticism, and how does it relate to addiction?
Neuroticism involves experiencing negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and low moods. People high in neuroticism are more likely to experience negative affect and may turn to substances to cope with these emotions, increasing their vulnerability to addiction.
What is psychoticism, and how does it relate to addiction?
Psychoticism is characterized by emotional coldness, aggression, impulsivity, and aggression. People high in psychoticism are more likely to engage in impulsive behavior, such as substance use, without considering the consequences, which may increase their risk of addiction.
How does extroversion influence addiction?
People high in extroversion are often under-aroused and experience boredom. To increase brain arousal, they may seek external stimulation, including through substance use, increasing their vulnerability to addictive behaviors.
Outline Cleck and Bendy’s study supporting evidence for personality as a risk factor. How does it support this factor?
Gossop & Eysenck (1980) found that neuroticism and psychoticism were significantly associated with addiction in a study of over 200 polydrug users (particularly heroin). This supports the link between personality and addiction. This therefore suggests that those with specific personality types are far more likely to form an addiction, indicating personality is a risk factor for addiction.
What is a limitation of Gossop & Eysenck’s (1980) study on personality and addiction?
A limitation is that the study used the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), which is a self-report measure. Self-report methods are prone to bias, such as exaggerating or downplaying personality traits, which may affect the internal validity of the findings.
What is a key issue with research into the relationship between personality and addiction?
Research only shows a correlation between personality traits and addiction, not causation. Other factors, like genetics, family influence, or childhood trauma, may mediate this relationship. It is unclear whether personality traits trigger addiction or if addiction shapes personality.
