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Personality and Reaction Time after Sleep Deprivation

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Abstract

The relationship between reaction time and both state and trait personality variables was investigated in 37 participants after 30 h of sleep deprivation. Regression analyses suggested that endorsement of greater Novelty Seeking, anger/hostility, and depression/dejection, and less confusion, was associated with greater reaction time declines on one Multi-Attribute Task Battery index after sleep deprivation. Further, greater Novelty Seeking and depression/dejection, and less vigor/activity, was associated with greater reaction time declines after sleep deprivation on another Multi-Attribute Task Battery index. Additional correlational analyses indicated that better reaction times were associated with greater Novelty Seeking and lower anger/hostility prior to sleep deprivation, and less confusion/bewilderment following sleep deprivation. Findings suggest that both state and trait personality variables are associated with reaction time performance following sleep deprivation.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Drs. Mark S. George and Daryl E. Bohning). The Brain Stimulation Laboratory is also supported in part by the Stanley Foundation, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, the Borderline Personality Disorders Foundation, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke grant RO1-AG40956.

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Correspondence to Noelle E. Carlozzi.

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Carlozzi, N.E., Horner, M.D., Kose, S. et al. Personality and Reaction Time after Sleep Deprivation. Curr Psychol 29, 24–33 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-009-9068-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-009-9068-8

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