The Role of Reward Sensitivity and Delay Aversion in Dispositional Hyperfocus Among University Students

Engelhart, Pleun (2025) The Role of Reward Sensitivity and Delay Aversion in Dispositional Hyperfocus Among University Students. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Hyperfocus is a state of deep and intense concentration on a task, often linked to motivational processes such as reward sensitivity and delay aversion. The study investigates (1) the extent to which reward responsivity, motivation to approach reward and delay aversion predict dispositional hyperfocus and (2) the relationship between delay aversion, reward responsivity and motivation to approach reward. A sample of 351 first-year psychology students from the University of Groningen completed self-report measures assessing dispositional hyperfocus, reward responsivity, motivation to approach reward and delay aversion. A multiple regression analysis revealed that a high motivation to approach rewards was associated with increased dispositional hyperfocus. However, reward responsivity did not significantly predict hyperfocus. Contrary to expectations, higher levels of delay aversion were linked to lower frequencies of hyperfocus, suggesting that individuals who strongly dislike delays may experience less hyperfocus. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between delay aversion and reward responsivity and motivation to approach reward. These results suggest that the occurrence of hyperfocus is influenced by specific motivational mechanisms. The study contributes to the understanding of hyperfocus in non-clinical populations and emphasizes the need for future research. Future research should use diverse measures, populations (including clinical), and behavioral tasks to better understand the complex factors behind hyperfocus.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Garcia Pimenta, M.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	10 Apr 2025 12:05
Last Modified:	10 Apr 2025 12:05
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4822

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