title: Impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and part-time job status in relation to substance use and gambling in adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and part-time employment have each been linked to risky behaviors in adolescents, their inter-relationships are less well-understood. We examined data from adolescents to assess the following predictions: (1) sensation-seeking would relate closely to substance use and gambling; (2) impulsivity would relate closely to alcohol, drug, and gambling problems; and (3) these relationships would be particularly strong among those holding part-time jobs.
  
  
  METHODS
  High-school students (N = 3,106) were surveyed to provide data on impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and part-time job status. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships with gambling, substance use (i.e., alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana) and related problems.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both impulsivity and sensation-seeking related significantly to substance use and impulsivity to gambling. Impulsivity had stronger associations with drug and gambling problems than sensation-seeking did. Students with paid part-time jobs were more likely to drink alcohol, binge drink, and use marijuana. Sensation-seeking had a particularly strong relationship to heavy cigarette smoking among students with part-time jobs. Conversely, there was little relationship between part-time job status and smoking among low sensation-seekers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings further support the relevance of sensation-seeking, impulsivity, and part-time job status to risky behaviors among adolescents. Sensation-seeking and impulsivity had unique relationships to risky behaviors, in accordance with theory and prior evidence. Impulsive adolescents may be in particular need for interventions to reduce drug use and gambling. Although part-time jobs can be beneficial, parents and caregivers should be mindful of potential negative ramifications of paid work outside the home.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. Electronic address: robert.leeman@yale.edu.
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Leeman
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Veterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: Rani A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: Suchitra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krishnan-Sarin
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Patock-Peckham
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
authors.forename: Marc N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Potenza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D063425:Binge Drinking; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008385:Marijuana Smoking; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012907:Smoking
keywords: Alcohol; Cannabis; Cigarette; Employment; Gender; High school; Marijuana; Personality; Problems; Smoking