The relationship between stress and delay discounting: a meta-analytic review.

The objective of the present meta-analytic review was two-fold: (a) to address the mixed findings of previous research by determining the relationship between stress and impulsivity; and (b) to examine age differences in this relationship. A total of 16 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the present meta-analysis for a total sample size of 2189 participants (k=22) ranging in age from 36 months to 71 years. Using the statistical software, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis, Version 2.0 - Hedges's g was computed to estimate the effect size. Results showed that impulsivity was related to stress with a moderate-large effect size (g=0.590). Significant moderating effects were found for the type of stress measure (g=0.592) and the type of discounting measure (g=0.696) used. The current study emphasizes the need for further research on the relationship between stress and discounting as additional findings may aid in improving future prevention and intervention programs for health-risk behaviors.