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How do different groups of cognitive enhancement drug users and non-users differ in lifestyle characteristics?

Heukamp, A. (2018) How do different groups of cognitive enhancement drug users and non-users differ in lifestyle characteristics?

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Abstract:Since the pressure to perform well or even better than others in the university increases, the usage of drugs for cognitive enhancement seems to increase as well. Not only illegal drugs but also substances that normally are prescribed for the treatment of diseases seem to get used to strengthen the cognitive performance. The goal of this study was to examine how different groups of cognitive enhancement drug users and non-users differ in their lifestyle characteristics. Therefore 175 participants completed an online survey questionnaire. Based on the group of drugs, which was chosen to enhance the cognitive performance, the participants were split into the groups of illicit and prescription drug users, prescription drug users only and non-users. The mean age of the participants was 20.8 years and the majority of them were females. The participants were asked self-developed questions about their cognitive enhancement drug use and about their lifestyle characteristics. The results showed significantly differences between the three groups in their consumption behavior, but in their health behavior no significant differences were found. As expected, illicit drug users showed a higher consumption behavior than non-users. Prescription drug users did not differ in their consumption behavior from non-users but did also not differ from the illicit drug user, which indicates a lack of clarity relating to the prescription drug users. It could be important to have a more careful look at the illicit drug users as well as the prescription drug users, because they already indicate a risk to their health in relation to their cognitive enhancement drug use.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/75720
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