Misik, Jakub (2025) Examining the Influence of Executive Function and Reward Sensitivity on Hyperfocus in Adult University Students. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Hyperfocus (HF) is a state of intense attentional absorption often linked to clinical populations such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. HF predominantly occurs in intrinsically rewarding situations and is marked by difficulty to disengage, leading to significant challenges such as neglecting personal needs, getting stuck on minor details, and losing track of time. Dispositional hyperfocus, a HF that occurs in rewarding situations, may be explained by executive function (EF) deficits that impair attentional control and reward sensitivity (RS), which enhances focus on rewarding stimuli. This study investigated whether increases in EF deficits and RS, respectively, predict a higher frequency of DHF. Additionally, the moderating role of RS was examined, specifically whether higher RS levels strengthen the EF-DHF relationship. A cross-sectional design was employed, using a non-clinical sample of 351 international university students and self-report measures for DHF, EF deficits, and RS. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that higher EF deficits significantly predicted increased DHF frequency. RS exhibited a threshold effect, whereby only extremely high levels of RS were significantly associated with elevated DHF. Contrary to hypotheses, the EF-DHF relationship was strongest for low levels of RS and weakest for high levels. These findings posit DHF as a complex phenomenon associated with cognitive and motivational factors that interact dynamically, reflecting distinct individual vulnerabilities. Further research should employ longitudinal, experimental designs and a combination of objective and subjective measures to explore these dynamics further and investigate the specific mechanisms of DHF and its causal neurocognitive determinants.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Supervisor name: | Garcia Pimenta, M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Apr 2025 13:34 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Apr 2025 13:34 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4819 |
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