Addiction (Personality) Flashcards
What is the main idea behind personality and addiction?
Some personalities predispose people to all types of addiction, not just one specific addiction.
What may happen when someone overcomes one addiction?
They may replace it with another addiction.
What did Eysenck propose about addiction and personality?
Some people are more vulnerable to addiction due to their personality traits.
Which personality traits did Eysenck link to addiction?
High levels of psychoticism and neuroticism.
What traits are associated with high psychoticism?
Unsympathetic, manipulative, irresponsible, lack of reflection.
Is extraversion linked to addiction?
No significant link; Francis (1996) found mixed or no consistent relationships
What did Francis (1996) find regarding extraversion and addiction?
10 studies found a negative link, 2 found a positive link, 12 found no significant link.
What did De Wit (2009) say about impulsivity and drug abuse?
Impulsivity is both a cause and a consequence of drug abuse.
What did Dalley et al. (2007) find about impulsive rats and cocaine?
Impulsive rats consumed more cocaine than less impulsive rats.
What did Stevens et al. (2014) say about impulsivity and addiction treatment?
Impulsive individuals were more likely to drop out of treatment.
How is neuroticism linked to addiction?
People high in neuroticism may use substances to cope with stress and emotions.
What did Sinha (2001) say about stress and addiction?
Stress plays a role in both starting and relapsing into addiction
What did Baumeister (1997) suggest about low self-esteem and addiction?
Low self-esteem can lead to self-defeating behaviour to escape self-awareness.
What link did Mehroof & Griffiths (2010) find in online gaming?
Neuroticism was significantly linked to online gaming addiction.
How does online gaming function similarly to substance addiction?
It serves as an escape from emotional distress or problems.
What did Francis (1996) find in addicts across multiple substances?
Higher neuroticism and psychoticism in addicts of nicotine, alcohol, heroin, and benzodiazepines.
What did Madhuri (2012) find in alcoholics and drug addicts?
Higher psychoticism and neuroticism, lower extraversion.
What did Sahasi et al. (1990) find in Indian heroin addicts?
High levels of psychoticism and neuroticism.
What is a major issue in linking personality and addiction?
Cause and effect – unclear if personality causes addiction or vice versa.
What did Cuomo et al. (2009) find in prisoners with substance abuse problems?
Higher psychoticism, impulsivity, and more childhood trauma.
What role might childhood trauma play in addiction?
Addiction may serve as a coping mechanism for early trauma.
What did Kubicka et al. (2001) find about childhood traits and adult addiction?
Extraversion, neuroticism, and low conscientiousness predicted adult drinking and smoking.
What other factor predicted adult smoking, according to Kubicka et al.?
Low IQ.
What did Dong et al. (2013) find in Chinese university students?
Higher neuroticism and psychoticism scores predicted internet addiction two years later.
Why is the concept of an addictive personality criticized?
Many traits are common in the general population, not all become addicts (Kerr, 1996).
What did Franques et al. (2000) argue about the addictive personality?
It doesn’t really exist; addiction involves multiple interacting factors.
Why might addiction not be a standalone disorder?
It is often comorbid with mental illnesses and may be a symptom of them.
What’s a major theoretical criticism of personality-based explanations?
They are reductionist and ignore broader social, environmental, and biological factors.
What ethical issues arise from the personality theory of addiction?
If addiction is tied to personality, it may be seen as outside personal control.
What are some implications if addiction is seen as beyond personal control?
It may be viewed as a medical issue, encouraging treatment over punishment.
What danger comes with believing addiction is due to personality?
Addicts may feel powerless and unable to change.
What limitation does the theory pose for treatment?
Personality traits are difficult to change, limiting intervention effectiveness.
How might the personality theory still be helpful for intervention?
Personality traits can guide prevention and early intervention strategies.
