Attentional impulsivity accounts for the association of antisociality with craving and mental health problems in incarcerated individuals with substance dependence
Abstract
PURPOSE
Prisoners with substance use disorder (SUD) are at risk of mental health problems. Given the common co-occurring of psychopathic traits with SUDs, probably because of underlying impulsive traits (Ellingson et al., 2018), this study aims to examine the relation between psychopathy (impulsive antisociality and fearless dominance) and the functioning of incarcerated individuals with SUD. The authors investigated whether impulsivity (motor, nonplanning and attentional) can account for the relationship between one psychopathy facet (impulsive antisociality) and craving and mental health problems.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH
The authors assessed self-reported impulsivity, psychopathy, craving and mental health problems in 121 male incarcerated individuals with SUD and calculated cross-sectional linear regression analyses and mediation models.
FINDINGS
Impulsive antisociality was positively related to all impulsivity facets, craving and mental health problems. Attentional impulsivity mediated the relationship of impulsive antisociality with craving and mental health problems. Fearless dominance was related to lower attentional and nonplanning impulsivity, craving and mental health problems.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS
Future studies should investigate these relations in longitudinal studies and evaluate tailored approaches, for example, mindfulness interventions.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Interventions to reduce craving and improve mental health might be important for…
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