Hypomania and the Effects of Working Memory Load on Risk-Taking

<p>Hypomania is an episodic mood state that closely resembles mania, and it is characterized by irritability, euphoria, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. The present study focuses on risk-taking, a behavioral manifestation of impulsivity, and the potential working memory mechanisms responsible for eliciting this behavior in people affected by hypomanic symptoms. Specifically, research suggests that taxing working memory accelerates the process by which individuals with high levels of hypomanic symptoms engage in risk-taking. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects on hypomanic traits and working memory taxation on a behavioral measure of risk-taking. One hundred and forty-five participants with varying levels of hypomanic functioning were asked to complete the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART), a computerized behavioral risk-taking measure, while experiencing various levels of working memory taxation. Number of balloon pumps and reaction time were recorded by the BART and used as measures of risk-taking. An analysis of the data revealed no significant effects of working memory on balloon pumps or reaction time. However, there were hypomania group differences on reaction time such that high-hypomania participants had faster reaction times compared to those in the low-hypomania group. Practical implications for future research are considered.</p>

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Todd, Joseph B

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ty Boyer
• Lawrence Locker

• hypomania
• bipolar
• risk-taking
• impulsivity
• balloon analog risk task
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/1241

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-2285