Abstract

PERSONALITY, LUNCH, MOOD AND SELECTIVITY IN ATTENTION AND MEMORY

Andrew P. Smith*, PhD

ABSTRACT

Background: Research shows that performance declines in the post-lunch period. This performance change has been demonstrated using sustained attention tasks but not those examining selectivity in memory and attention. The post-lunch dip in sustained attention is modified by personality, with low anxious individuals showing the biggest dip. The present study examined whether personality modifies selectivity in memory and attention in the afternoon and whether this depends on consuming lunch. Method: A between-subject design was used, and 120 university students (50% female) took part in the study. Baseline measurements were taken in the morning between 9.30 and 11.30 am, and personality questionnaires were completed. Volunteers were then assigned to one of five groups: (1) Pre-lunch testing, (2) Early afternoon post- no lunch testing, (3) Early afternoon post-lunch testing, (4) Late afternoon post- no lunch testing, and (5) Late afternoon post-lunch testing. In each session, blood pressure and heart rate were measured, mood was rated before and after the battery of performance tasks, and tests measuring selectivity in attention and memory were carried out. Results: Five aspects of personality were considered: Obsessional personality, Extraversion, Impulsivity, Sociability, and Trait Anxiety. None of these traits interacted with the experimental groups, and this profile was observed for all outcome variables. Personality had no main effects on the cardiovascular and selectivity measures. Significant effects of personality were observed in the mood ratings. High scorers on the Obsessional personality scale reported a more positive mood than low scorers. High Trait Anxiety was associated with a more negative mood. Sociability was related to feeling more sociable, whereas extraversion was related to feeling more excited. Conclusion: The present analyses showed no evidence of personality modifying performance of selective memory and attention tasks performed at different times of day and after lunch or no lunch. The same profile was observed for mood and cardiovascular outcomes. Personality was associated with mood but not selectivity or cardiovascular measures.

Keywords: performed at different times of day and after lunch or no lunch. The same profile was observed for mood and cardiovascular outcomes. Personality was associated with mood but not selectivity or cardiovascular measures.