A-38 A Comparison Of Concussion History And Propensity For Risk-Taking In College-Aged Individuals

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in propensity for risk-taking between college-aged individuals with and without a history of concussion. Methods A cross-sectional study of individuals ages 18-30 years was conducted. Participants were administered a brief survey that included demographics, medical history, and the General Risk Propensity Scale (GRiPS). The GRiPS is an 8-item, self-report measure that assesses an individual’s general propensity to take risks (e.g., “I would take a risk even if it meant I might get hurt”). A score of 20 or higher indicates high propensity for risk taking while a score lower than 20 indicates low propensity for risk-taking. An independent samples t-test compared the mean scores of the GRiPS between individuals with and without a concussion history. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results One hundred eighty-one participants (92 female; μ age=20.65 years; SD=2.56 years) were included in this study. Ninety-six (53.0%) participants had no concussion history, while 85 (47.0%) had a history of concussion. No significant differences in GRiPS mean scores was noted between groups (no concussion history: μ=23.97, SD=5.96; concussion history: μ=23.68, SD=6.72, p=.73). Conclusions These results suggest that an individual’s propensity for risk-taking is not influenced by concussion history, which conflicts with previous research. Future research may consider developing a survey to assess specific risk-taking behaviors that may be associated with a concussion (e.g., “I do not report symptoms of a concussion”) or if a propensity for risk-taking is higher in individuals currently with a concussion or a specific number of previous concussions.