Session: Longitudinal Effects of Impulsivity and Delay of Gratification on Adolescent Problem Behaviors (Society for Prevention Research 27th Annual Meeting)

SESSION INTRODUCTION: Impulsivity factors of acting-without-thinking and inability to delay gratification are found to be robust predictors of adolescent problem behaviors. The goal of this symposium session is to present three novel examinations of impulsivity and delay of gratification as predictors of adolescent risk-taking, as well as externalizing and internalizing behaviors, using national and community-based longitudinal samples from across the US. Together, these studies look at the distinct dimensions of impulsivity and identify the mediating and moderating mechanisms of their influence.

The first paper, “A Simple Preschool Marshmallow Test Predicts Adolescent Behavior Problems: Implications for Prevention and Early Intervention” is a preregistered replication study that uses longitudinal data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) to test prospective associations between preschool delay of gratification and adolescent externalizing behaviors and health outcomes.

The second paper, “Impulsivity Mediates the Effect of Sleep on Alcohol Use Among Middle Schoolers” presents a longitudinal analysis of the mediating effects of impulsivity and attentional control on the relationship between sleep and alcohol use among middle schoolers.

The third paper, “Independent and Interactive Effects of Impulse Control and Sensation Seeking in Predicting Alcohol Use in Middle Adolescents” looks at the moderating role of impulse control on the association between sensation seeking and alcohol use during middle adolescence.

Jointly, these studies advance knowledge about the longitudinal mechanisms by which acting-without-thinking, sensation seeking, and delay of gratification operate to influence problem behaviors during adolescence. The findings also highlight cognitive and behavioral factors that are likely effective targets for programming and policy efforts to prevent risky-behaviors and maladjustment during adolescence.