Executive Function Difficulties and Reward Sensitivity as Predictors of Dispositional Hyperfocus

Bethe, Jan (2025) Executive Function Difficulties and Reward Sensitivity as Predictors of Dispositional Hyperfocus. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Hyperfocus refers to a state of intense and narrow focus that is characterized by complete immersion into a task or activity, losing track of time and the surroundings and experiencing difficulties to re-direct attention. The phenomenon has recently caught the attention of researchers. So far, research on hyperfocus was mostly in the context of psychopathology that is associated with executive functioning deficits, predominantly ADHD. Previous research in the fields of hyperfocus and executive functioning have also proposed a possible connection of hyperfocus to reward sensitivity, which we are aiming to explore further in this study. We hypothesized that the degree to which individuals respond to reward, as well as their motivation to approach it, are factors that are able to predict the occurrence of hyperfocus. To test our hypotheses, we employed a cross-sectional design measuring executive function via the BDEFS-SF, reward sensitivity with the RPRM-Q and hyperfocus with the DHS-AHQ. We replicated earlier results that linked heightened EF difficulties to increased hyperfocus and found that individuals high in reward responsivity are more likely to hyperfocus that individuals who are medium- or low scoring on that trait. Our results for motivational aspects indicate a complex interplay of executive functioning, hyperfocus and reward sensitivity measures that should be explored further in future studies. Limitations and indications for research are discussed and embedded in current theoretical perspectives on hyperfocus.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Garcia Pimenta, M.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	10 Apr 2025 12:07
Last Modified:	10 Apr 2025 12:07
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4823

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