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Sensation-Seeking and Impulsivity in Athletes with Sport-Related Concussion

  • Complex Medical-Psychiatric Issues (MB Riba, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a significant public health problem. Understanding the behavioral and personal factors that influence risk and incidence of SRC is critically important for appropriate care and management. Sensation-seeking and impulsivity have been posited to be two such factors that may be significantly associated with SRC. We performed a focused review of recent evidence of the relationships between sensation-seeking and impulsivity in athletes with SRC.

Recent Findings

While the research is relatively limited, extant findings demonstrate a significant relationship between sensation-seeking and contact sport participation and risk of prior and future SRC. Impulsivity appears to be common among athletes competing in high contact sports and may contribute to neural and functional brain changes following SRC; however, causal relationships between impulsivity, contact sport participation, and SRC have not been demonstrated.

Summary

Both sensation-seeking and impulsivity are significantly associated with SRC in collegiate athletes. Interventions designed to ameliorate high levels of these constructs may prove to be beneficial avenues to reducing SRC risk and improving patient care and outcomes.

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Acknowledgements

The editors would like to thank Dr. Kamalika Roy for taking the time to review this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuropsychology Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Spencer W. Liebel & Katherine A. M. Edwards

  2. Michigan Concussion Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Spencer W. Liebel & Steven P. Broglio

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SWL and SPB conceptualized the study; SWL, KAME, and SPB wrote, edited, and reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Spencer W. Liebel.

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Spencer W. Liebel and Katherine A. M. Edwards have no conflicts of interest or competing interests directly relevant to the content of this study. Steven P. Broglio received research support from the NCAA and the U.S. Department of Defense.

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Liebel, S.W., Edwards, K.A.M. & Broglio, S.P. Sensation-Seeking and Impulsivity in Athletes with Sport-Related Concussion. Curr Psychiatry Rep 23, 15 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01232-0

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