Individual Differences Affecting Caffeine Intake

2622 Words6 Pages

Individual differences affecting caffeine intake. Analysis of consumption behaviours for different times of day and caffeine sources
The purpose of this study was to research different personalities, and how they affect caffeine intake. Regular consumption was predicted by gender, age, nicotine use, and types of personality traits. Consistent caffeine consumption would has been known to impair sleep and enhance anxiety, and if over-consumed it becomes chronic it could cause dependency, and or worsen psychological symptoms, (Juliano et al., 2011, Ogawa and Ueki, 2007 and Rihs et al., 1996). Caffeine can, however, cause positive effects in cognitive areas: it improve alertness, decrease fatigue, enhance executions of basic tasks that require concentration and perpetual response, enhances mood, and lowers depression symptoms. (Attwood et al., 2007, Glade, 2010 and Lara, 2010). Multiple studies suggest that general and specific personality traits reflect how much caffeine is consumed on a daily basis. A seminal study of (Landrum 1992), showed a positive correlation between caffeine consumption and extroversion. The same research (Adan, 1994) explored whether caffeine consumption could be affected by individual Circadian Preference (a morning preference or an evening preference). The data showed a higher intake of caffeine for those who were more active during the evening. (Ishihara et al., 1985, Mitchell and Redman, 1993, Shohet and Landrum, 2001 and Sánchez-Turet et al., 1992). Demographic variables, such as gender and age, and cigarette smoker’s behaviours have been often reported as a correlation of caffeine intake. In both clinical samples, men generally consume more caffeine than women (Ciapparelli et al., 2010, Lee et al., 1999 ...

... middle of paper ...

... activities (skydiving, snowboarding etc.). Energy drinks have the potential to have a greater negative effect on children as their brains and bodies are still developing. Children who drink caffeine are more likely to develop unhealthy eating behaviors and become overweight. There are many conflicting studies that debate the health benefits and dangers of caffeine. University students have also become a topic of concern as a growing number of students report adding alcohol with their energy drinks. This combination of alcohol with a caffeinated beverage has been known to cause a greater increase in dangerous behavior. There is also a heated debate as to whether caffeine dependence should be classified as a certified disorder. It is clear that there are still many unexplored aspects of caffeine and the human body and there are plenty research opportunities to come.

Open Document