Impulsivity and Sensation-Seeking Personality Traits as Predictors of Substance Use Among University Students.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between substance use and impulsivity and sensation-seeking personality traits among 655 university students using a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design. A significant correlation was found between students' impulsivity level scores and frequency of substance use (r = 0.11, p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between frequency of substance use and sensation-seeking levels (r = 0.2, p < 0.05), as well as impulsivity levels (r = 0.31, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the two predictors model was able to account for 12.4% of variation in substance use. Impulsivity and sensation-seeking personality traits are significant predictors of substance use among university students. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(1), 57-63.].