Impulsivity and Compulsivity in Addictive Behaviours

The current thesis sought to characterise the interactive mechanisms and direct pathways involved in addictive behaviours. Specifically, it sought to: 1) to determine whether negative urgency (the impulsivity component core to addictions) interacts with different aspects of compulsivity in relation to problematic alcohol use, eating, and internet use; and 2) to understand the network relations between impulsivity- and compulsivity-related constructs and individual symptoms of problematic internet use and smartphone use. Findings from this thesis suggest that the interaction between negative urgency and compulsivity-related factors may drive problematic alcohol use, eating, and use of the internet, and 2) a compulsive pathway may drive problematic internet and smartphone use. The thesis concluded by discussing implications for informing more precise assessments to identify individuals at risk for addictive behaviours and more effective mechanism-targeted prevention and intervention strategies.