Study of Intertemporal Discounting According to Age Groups

The paper focuses on the topic of intertemporal discounting of individuals according to age groups. Using the sample of examined individuals, it aims to verify the hypothesis that the patience of individuals decreases with their increasing age. The study included a total of 599 individuals with an average age of 38.3 years (min. 16 and max. 82 years) who answered classical questions focused on time discounting and impulsive behaviour. In total, four possible scenarios were analysed: a small reward (CZK 100) with a delay of 1 day, a small reward with a delay of 1 month, a large reward (CZK 100,000) with a delay of 1 day and a large reward with a delay of 1 month. The delayed reward was always increased by 10% (i.e., CZK 110 or CZK 110,000). The basic hypothesis was that with increasing age, the subjective discount rate increases i.e., patience decreases. The above-mentioned 4 scenarios were evaluated for the hypotheses, while only three of the four scenarios were confirmed for all hypotheses. The results in the examined individuals suggest that with increasing age, there is a decrease in patience and at the same time a decrease in impulsive behaviour. These findings may have an overlap in consumption or savings in relation to the aging population.

Role of attachment and early maladaptive schemas in the impulsive behaviour of adolescents

Introducción/objetivo: Son escasos los estudios que abordan la relación entre el apego y la impulsividad en la adolescencia. Por ello, los objetivos del estudio han sido estudiar la relación entre el apego, las estructuras inadaptadas tempranas y la impulsividad, así como comprobar el papel predictivo de los dos primeros sobre la impulsividad. Por último, se estudia el papel mediador de los esquemas inadaptados tempranos en la relación entre el apego y la impulsividad. Métodos: La muestra es de 1533 adolescentes de Ecuador (826 hombres y 707 mujeres), con edades entre los 14 y 18 años (M = 15.76, DT = 1.25). Se emplearon los siguientes cuestionarios para medir las variables de estudio: CaMir-R, YSQ-S3, BIS 11. Resultados: Los resultados reflejan como la seguridad, el valor a la autoridad parental, la permisividad parental, la autosuficiencia y rencor contra los padres, el traumatismo infantil y el esquema negatividad/ pesimismo predicen la conducta impulsiva. Asimismo, se confirma el papel mediador de los esquemas inadaptados tempranos. Conclusiones: El conocimiento del papel que cumplen los esquemas inadaptados tempranos y los estilos de apego como factores de riesgo o vulnerabilidad implicados en el establecimiento de la conducta impulsiva resulta de gran utilidad de cara a implementar estrategias preventivas y un enfoque terapéutico adecuado.

Impulsivity and Difficulties in Emotional Regulation as Predictors of Binge-Watching Behaviours

Recently, the question about the potentially problematic characteristics of binge-watching behaviours has been raised in the contemporary literature. Binge-watching is a highly popular behaviour that involves watching multiple episodes of TV series in one sitting. Studies show that binge-watching can be both an entertaining, but also a potentially problematic, behaviour. Therefore, this research aimed to answer the question about how impulsivity, difficulties in emotional regulation, and one's motivations around why they want to watch a TV series predict problematic binge-watching among a group of Polish young adults. The research group consisted of 645 participants. The following tools were then used to measure the study variables: the Impulsive Behaviour Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Viewing Motivation Scale, and the Questionnaire of Excessive Binge-watching. Furthermore, a regression analysis was performed on the responses to each measure in order to answer our research questions. Our results show that a lack of premeditation, impulse control difficulties, and having an escapist motivation are all significant predictors of problematic binge-watching behaviours. Furthermore, one's motivations around dealing with loneliness, their motivations around how to best spend their free time, as well as their informative and entertaining motivations were also found to be significant predictors of problematic binge-watching behaviours.

Reasons for under-reporting of paraquat poisoning in India

Background Paraquat is an inexpensive herbicide used in agriculture because it is easily available and the cost of labour for manual clearance of weeds is prohibitive. Paraquat is toxic to human beings and is also used for committing suicide. We studied the reasons for under-reporting of paraquat poisoning including those related to the training of doctors. Methods In this mixed-methods study, we describe a series of patients with paraquat poisoning. We recorded their demographic data, clinical features, treatment and outcome with an intention to explore the reason for an initial misdiagnosis. We also explored whether deficiencies in curricula contributed to the misdiagnosis. Results The patients of paraquat poisoning (n=28) were mostly young illiterate men driven by impulsive behaviour rather than chronic depression. Paraquat was consumed by patients from non-agricultural background as well, implying easy access to the poison. Many patients could not name the agent and so initial treatment was directed at organophosphorus poisoning. The diagnostic signs included paraquat tongue, renal failure and jaundice. Most of the casualty medical officers and residents were unfamiliar with the symptoms and signs of paraquat poisoning as was evident by their answers to the questionnaire. Knowledge of medical students about paraquat poisoning was not assessed in the theory examinations and viva. Conclusion Factors contributing to the limitation in establishing the diagnosis are illiteracy and ignorance of the patients, lack of specific signs and lack of training of medical officers in treating patients with paraquat poisoning.

Impulsivity

This chapter describes impulsivity (the difficulty in being able to think before acting) in ADHD. The chapter describes behavioural inhibition mechanisms in the brain and related theories, manifestations of impulsivity (e.g. the tendency to act without thinking, compulsive destruction tendencies, situations or games requiring sharing, cooperation, and restraint), and the management of impulsivity. Management options includes cognitive therapy, which has limited success, and medication, which usually plays a dramatic role in controlling impulsivity. Furthermore, environmental changes and modification of goals are important ways of helping the child with ADHD. Those who come interact with the child with ADHD need to understand that impulsive behaviour is not completely under the child’s control.

Psychological consequences of the decrease of ethnic diversity: an overview of problems and their management

<p>In this article I report on psychological explanations for those linguistic and educational problems that arise as a result of the accelerated loss of ethnic diversity among european indigenous minorities. I have used knowledge from psychology of learning and psychology of motivation (for example unsuitable impulsive behaviour connected to executive functions, or culture shock) to describe the mechanisms of language shift and language loss connected to education There is a lack of such attempts in linguistic nad educational literature. The debates between representatives of pluralistic conceptions and their opponents on the possible linguistic and educational objectives in heterogeneous communities are presented. In addition, I also formulated guidelines how to mitigate the consequences of decrease of linguistic and cultural diversity on mind and behaviour of people who live and receive education in heterogeneous settings.</p>

Psychological consequences of the decrease of ethnic diversity: an overview of problems and their management

<p>In this article I report on psychological explanations for those linguistic and educational problems that arise as a result of the accelerated loss of ethnic diversity among european indigenous minorities. I have used knowledge from psychology of learning and psychology of motivation (for example unsuitable impulsive behaviour connected to executive functions, or culture shock) to describe the mechanisms of language shift and language loss connected to education There is a lack of such attempts in linguistic nad educational literature. The debates between representatives of pluralistic conceptions and their opponents on the possible linguistic and educational objectives in heterogeneous communities are presented. In addition, I also formulated guidelines how to mitigate the consequences of decrease of linguistic and cultural diversity on mind and behaviour of people who live and receive education in heterogeneous settings.</p>

Patterns and motivations for method choices in suicidal thoughts and behaviour: qualitative content analysis of a large online survey

Background Choice of suicide method can strongly influence the outcome of suicidal behaviour, and is an important aspect of the process and planning involved in a suicide attempt. Yet, the reasons why individuals consider, choose or discard particular methods are not well understood. Aims This is the first study to explore method choices among people with a history of suicidal behaviour and individuals who have experienced, but not enacted, suicidal thoughts. Method Via an online survey, we gathered open-ended data about choice of methods in relation to suicidal thoughts and behaviours, including reasons for and against specific means of harm. Results A total of 712 respondents had attempted suicide, and a further 686 experienced suicidal thoughts (but not acted on them). Self-poisoning was the most commonly contemplated and used method of suicide, but most respondents had considered multiple methods. Method choices when contemplating suicide included a broader range of means than those used in actual attempts, and more unusual methods, particularly if perceived to be lethal, ‘easy’, quick, accessible and/or painless. Methods used in suicide attempts were, above all, described as having been accessible at the time, and were more commonly said to have been chosen impulsively. Key deterrents against the use of specific methods were the presence of and impact on other people, especially loved ones, and fears of injury and survival. Conclusions Exploration of method choices can offer novel insights into the transition from suicidal ideation to behaviour. Results underscore the need for preventative measures to restrict access to means and delay impulsive behaviour.