Links between self‐reported and laboratory behavioral impulsivity

Abstract

A major problem in the research considering impulsivity is the lack of mutual understanding on how to measure and define impulsivity. Our study examined the relationship between self-reported impulsivity, behavioral excitatory and inhibitory processes and time perception. Impulsivity--fast, premature, thoughtless or disinhibited behavior--was assessed in 58 normal, healthy participants (30 men, mean age 21.9 years). Self-reported impulsivity as measured by Adaptive and Maladaptive Impulsivity Scale (AMIS) and behavioral excitatory and inhibitory processes as measured by Stop Signal Task were not directly related. Time perception, measured by the retrospective Time Estimation Task, was related to both. The length of the perceived time interval was positively correlated to AMIS Disinhibition subscale and negatively to several Stop Signal Task parameters. The longer subjects perceived the duration to last, the higher was their score on Disinhibition scale and the faster were their reactive responses in the Stop Signal Task. In summary our findings support the idea of cognitive tempo as a possible mechanism underlying impulsive behavior.

Genome-wide association studies of impulsive personality traits (BIS-11 and UPPSP) and drug experimentation in up to 22,861 adult research participants identify loci in the CACNA1I and CADM2 genes

“…In addition, this population showed low levels of drug use, which was an advantage because it minimized the chance that prolonged drug use increased impulsivity (Balodis et al, 2009;Fineberg et al, 2014). Another limitation is that we measured self-reported impulsive personality, but did not include objective behavioral measures (Malle and Neubauer, 1991;Lane et al, 2003;Meda et al, 2009;Dick et al, 2010;Broos et al, 2012;Havik et al, 2012). Self-report measures can provide evidence of "trait" impulsivity (stable personality characteristic), whereas performance-based tests may measure aspects of "state" impulsivity (influenced by environmental variables).…”

Further evidence of the heterogeneous nature of impulsivity

“…Research suggests that self-report measures of impulsivity are not analogous with behavioural tasks ( Dick et al, 2010 ). The BIS-11 has been found not to correlate with measures of MI or TI ( Lane et al, 2003; Lansbergen, Schutter, & Kenemans, 2007; Reynolds et al, 2006 ) and investigators predominantly find distinct factors of self-report and behavioural impulsivity ( Broos et al, 2012; Havik et al, 2012; Lane et al, 2003; Malle & Neubauer, 1991; Meda et al, 2009 ). However, there is some evidence that self-report impulsiveness is related to GNG performance ( Aichert et al, 2012; Reynolds et al, 2006 ).…”

Singing under the impulsiveness: impulsivity in psychiatric disorders

“…Although impulsivity is mentioned in diagnostic classifications of mental disorders, there is a lack of knowledge how to define and measure the impulsivity. In general, impulsivity has been defined as rushed responses to stimuli, swift action, and behaviour without adequate thinking often leading to undesirable outcomes [2,3]. According to Moeller "impulsivity is a predisposition to have rapid and unplanned reactions to internal and external stimuli without regard to the negative consequences of these reactions to individuals and others" [4].…”

“…According to Moeller "impulsivity is a predisposition to have rapid and unplanned reactions to internal and external stimuli without regard to the negative consequences of these reactions to individuals and others" [4]. Patton et al [5] separated impulsivity into three components: (1) motor impulsivity, (2) attention impulsivity, and (3) lack of planning. Motor impulsiveness is defined as acting without inhibition and perseverance; attentional impulsiveness is the inability to focus on the ongoing task and cognitive instability; and non-planning impulsiveness is inability to plan and think carefully and orientation to the present rather than to the future [6].…”