Abstract
Objective: Deficits in prospective memory (PM; eg, enacting a previously learned action at the right time/place) and risky decision-making (eg, making choices that involve a high chance of undesirable/dangerous outcomes) are both common in persons with substance use disorders. Martin et al (2007) found a significant relationship between habitual time-based PM tasks (eg, making a verbal response every 7 mins) and risky sexual and injection practices in a HIV+ sample, and posited that PM function may influence whether an individual engages in risky behavior (eg, unprotected sex) or, conversely, is able to implement coping strategies at the right time to avoid further risk. The present study sought to extend this work by examining the unique contribution of both time-based (TB) and event-based (EB) non-habitual PM to risk behavior in a seronegative substance dependent sample. Participants and Methods: A well-validated, comprehensive measure of ProM, the Memory for Intentions Screening Test, was administered to 45 polysubstance dependent individuals currently in treatment. HIV risk behaviors (eg, needle sharing, unprotected sex), and criminal activity (ie, history of offenses/convictions) were assessed with subscales
of the Opiate Treatment Index. Results: Regressions were conducted predicting risk behavior and criminality based on TB and EB PM controlling for 1) demographic variables (age, gender, premorbid IQ), 2) psychiatric variables (mood, lifetime substance use), and 3) performance on working memory, retrospective memory, and executive function measures. Results revealed that TB, but not EB, PM remained a significant unique predictor of risky behavior (R2 ch. from .14-.23, ps < .05) and criminality (Cox & Snell R2 ch. from .13-.17, ps < .05) in all analyses. Conclusions: Findings support the relationship between impaired TB PM and higher levels of risky behavior amongst substance users in treatment. Targeted rehabilitation addressing PM deficits may be a useful added intervention in treatment to reduce risky behaviors
of the Opiate Treatment Index. Results: Regressions were conducted predicting risk behavior and criminality based on TB and EB PM controlling for 1) demographic variables (age, gender, premorbid IQ), 2) psychiatric variables (mood, lifetime substance use), and 3) performance on working memory, retrospective memory, and executive function measures. Results revealed that TB, but not EB, PM remained a significant unique predictor of risky behavior (R2 ch. from .14-.23, ps < .05) and criminality (Cox & Snell R2 ch. from .13-.17, ps < .05) in all analyses. Conclusions: Findings support the relationship between impaired TB PM and higher levels of risky behavior amongst substance users in treatment. Targeted rehabilitation addressing PM deficits may be a useful added intervention in treatment to reduce risky behaviors
| Original language | English |
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| Pages | 70-71 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Event | The 2012 International Neuropsychological Society Mid-Year Meeting/11th Nordic Meeting in Neuropsychology - Oslo, Oslo, Norway Duration: 27 Jun 2012 → 30 Jun 2012 |
Conference
| Conference | The 2012 International Neuropsychological Society Mid-Year Meeting/11th Nordic Meeting in Neuropsychology |
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| Country/Territory | Norway |
| City | Oslo |
| Period | 27/06/12 → 30/06/12 |
