Childhood Environments, Energy Need and Time Perception

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to examine how fluctuating blood glucose levels interact with an individual's life history. Life history is measured through childhood unpredictability of environment, and past research has revealed that life history can impact different behaviors such as time perception, decision-making, and impulsivity in adulthood. The study specifically focuses on energy regulation and how it relates to childhood unpredictability of environment and temporal focus. The project was a two-part study with tasks emphasizing temporal focus and impulsivity. Results indicated in both the correlational study and experimental study that participants from unpredictable childhood environments regulate energy different at high and low energy needs which impacts the way they perceive time, delay gratification, and behave impulsively.