The Relationship Between Impulsivity, Sensation Seeking, and Concussion History in Collegiate Student-Athletes

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the relationship between diagnosed concussions and impulsivity and sensation seeking in collegiate student-athletes. Methods: A convenience sample of 1,244 collegiate studentathletes (56.5% males; age: 19.52 ± 1.33 years) from four colleges and/or universities. This cross-sectional study used a 10-minute survey that included demographics, previously diagnosed concussion history, the 15-item Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the 8-item Brief Sensation Seeking Scale. Results: Impulsivity and sensation seeking were statistically significant correlates of total diagnosed concussions using Spearman’s rho (rho for impulsivity = .08, P < .01; rho for sensation seeking = .08, P < .01). Impulsivity remained a statistically significant predictor (exp(b) = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.16 to 1.54) in a negative binomial regression model, suggesting that a 1-point difference in impulsivity implies a 35% increase in concussions when adjusting for covariates. High-risk concussion sport type was also a significant predictor (exp(b) 2.02, 95% CI = 1.37 to 2.67). However, sensation seeking (exp(b) = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.94 to 1.34) and sex (1 = male, exp(b) = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.60 to 1.46) were not statistically significant. Conclusions: There may be a potential association between impulsivity and concussions, but longitudinal research is needed to help clarify the cause-and-effect directionality between concussions and impulsivity. [Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2021;13(6):e402-e412.] Sport-related concussions are a high-profile public health concern that affects athletes at all levels.1 Concussions are heterogeneous injuries that can present with a variety of physical symptoms (eg, headache, dizziness, and nausea) and impairments (eg, balance, cognitive, ocular, and vestibular).2 Although most physical and cognitive symptoms resolve within 14 days for adults3 and 30 days for children,4 many athletes experience lingering post-concussive symptoms and impairments.3 Although research suggests that multiple concussions may be associated with the development of mood, behavior, and cognitive changes,5,6 more research is needed regarding which intrinsic variables may be a risk factor for sustaining a concussion and which variables may be a consequence of injury. A starting point for concussion prevention is to identify injury risk factors. This may lead to interventions that can be developed to provide at-risk athletes with additional concussion education and sport technique modifications. Risk factors for sustaining a concussion are having a history of previous concussions7,8 and female sex.9-12 Athletes who have previously sustained concussions are at a greater risk of sustaining a future concussive injury compared to athletes with no concussion history.7,8 Females have a higher injury rate of concussions in comparable sports9-12 and take longer to The Relationship Between Impulsivity, Sensation Seeking, and Concussion History in Collegiate Student-Athletes Erica Beidler, PhD, ATC; M. Brent Donnellan, PhD; Anthony Kontos, PhD; Matthew Pontifex, PhD; Sally Nogle, PhD, ATC; Tracey Covassin, PhD, ATC From the Department of Athletic Training, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (EB); the Departments of Psychology (MBD), Kinesiology (MP, TC), and Intercollegiate Athletics (SN), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (AK). Submitted: August 27, 2020; Accepted: February 17, 2021 Supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (EB). The content of this investigation is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the views of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The study sponsor was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation, writing of the report, or the decision to submit the report for publication. Disclosure: The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein. Correspondence: Erica Beidler, PhD, ATC, Department of Athletic Training, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. Email: