Facets Of Impulsivity Research Articles

Momentary assessment of impulsive choice and impulsive action: Reliability, stability, and correlates

Impulsivity is associated with substance use, including tobacco use. The degree to which impulsivity fluctuates over time within persons, and the degree to which such intra-individual changes can be measured reliably and validly in ambulatory assessments is not known, however. The current study evaluated two novel ambulatory measures of impulsive choice and impulsive action. Impulsive choice was measured with an eight-item delay discounting task designed to estimate the subjective value of delayed monetary rewards. Impulsive action was measured with a two-minute performance test to assess behavioral disinhibition (the inability to inhibit a motor response when signaled that such a response will not be rewarded). Valid data on impulsive choice were collected at 70% of scheduled reports and valid data on impulsive action were collected on 55% of scheduled reports, on average. Impulsive choice and action data were not normally distributed, but models of relations of these measures with within- and between-person covariates were robust across distributional assumptions. Intra-class correlations were substantial for both impulsive choice and action measures. Between persons, random intercepts in impulsive choice and action were significantly related to laboratory levels of their respective facets of impulsivity, but not self-reported or other facets of impulsivity. Validity of the ambulatory measures is supported by associations between abstinence from smoking and increased impulsivity, but challenged by an association between strong temptations to smoke and reduced impulsive choice. Results suggest that meaningful variance in impulsive choice and action can be captured using ambulatory methods, but that additional measure refinement is needed.

Correlates of cannabis vape-pen use and knowledge among U.S. college students

IntroductionThe proliferation of electronic devices, such as vape-pens, has provided alternative means for cannabis use. Research has found cannabis-vaping (i.e., vape-pen use) is associated with lower perceived risks and higher cannabis use. Knowledge of these products may increase likelihood of subsequent use. As policies for cannabis shift, beliefs that peers and family approve of this substance use (injunctive norms) increase and there has been an increase in vape-pen use among young adults (18–35year olds); however, correlates thereof remain unknown. Young adults often engage in cross-substance use with cannabis and alcohol, making alcohol a potential correlate of cannabis vape-pen use and knowledge. Therefore, we examined alcohol use and other potential correlates of vape-pen use and knowledge among a sample of university students. MethodsThis secondary data analysis utilized surveys at multiple colleges in the U.S. (N=270). Alcohol use, social anxiety, cannabis expectancies, injunctive and descriptive norms and facets of impulsivity were examined as correlates of vape-pen use and knowledge using bivariate correlations and logistic regressions. ResultsAlcohol use was correlated with cannabis vape-pen use and knowledge. Frequency of cannabis use, peer injunctive norms, and positive expectancies were associated with increased likelihood of vape-pen use. Lack of premeditation, a facet of impulsivity, was associated with cannabis vape-pen knowledge. ConclusionsGiven the unknown nature and consequences of cannabis vape-pens, the present findings offer valuable information on correlates of this behavior. Further, correlates of knowledge of vape-pens may point to areas for education and clinical intervention to prevent heavy cannabis vape-pen use.

Independent and interactive associations of negative affect, restraint, and impulsivity in relation to binge eating among women

There is growing recognition that impulsivity may serve as an underlying risk factor for binge eating. In addition, the association of impulsivity with binge eating may be moderated by other affective and cognitive risk factors. This study examined independent and interactive associations of negative affect, dietary restraint, and facets of impulsivity with binge eating. A diverse sample of 566 undergraduate women completed online questionnaires of study variables. Results revealed a three-way interaction of negative affect, dietary restraint, and attentional impulsivity in relation to binge eating. Women who were high on each of these three variables reported the greatest levels of binge eating. In addition, a two-way interaction was found for negative affect and nonplanning impulsivity in relation to binge eating, such that nonplanning impulsivity strengthened the association between negative affect and binge eating. Attentional and nonplanning facets of impulsivity may function as an underlying trait-level risk factor interacts with affective and/or cognitive risk (e.g., negative affect, dietary restraint) factors to predict elevated binge eating.

Validation of a Swedish version of the short UPPS-P impulsive behavior scale among young adults

The UPPS-P model of impulsivity proposes that impulsivity comprises five distinct facets—negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking. The UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale has been used to measure these facets. The purpose of the current study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the 20-item UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (SUPPS-P). The sample comprised 343 Swedish young adults (Mage=24.21, SD=2.01; 27% men, 2% other or undisclosed gender identity) who answered a questionnaire including the SUPPS-P; Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21); and questions regarding their alcohol consumption and substance use. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 5-factor, inter-correlated model, where each subscale of the SUPPS-P constitutes one latent variable. The convergent validity was established by replicating previously found correlations between the different impulsivity facets and depression, anxiety, frequency of alcohol consumption, and substance use. The internal consistency was acceptable for all the SUPPS-P subscales (Cronbach's α=0.65–0.78, McDonald's ω=0.65–0.79), except lack of perseverance (Cronbach's α=0.60, McDonald's ω=0.61). Thus, while the Swedish version of the SUPPS-P is suitable for assessing impulsivity in Swedish young adult samples, further research is needed to improve the psychometric properties of the lack of perseverance subscale.

Emotionally laden impulsivity interacts with affect in predicting addictive use of online sexual activity in men

The interest in studying addictive use of online sexual activities (OSA) has grown sharply over the last decade. Despite the burgeoning number of studies conceptualizing the excessive use of OSA as an addictive disorder, few have tested its relations to impulsivity, which is known to constitute a hallmark of addictive behaviors. To address this missing gap in the literature, we tested the relationships between addictive OSA use, impulsivity traits, and affect among a convenience sample of men (N=182; age, M=29.17, SD = 9.34), building upon a theoretically driven model that distinguishes the various facets of impulsivity. Results showed that negative urgency (an impulsivity trait reflecting the tendency to act rashly in negative emotional states) and negative affect interact in predicting addictive OSA use. These results highlight the pivotal role played by negative urgency and negative affect in addictive OSA use, supporting the relevance of psychological interventions that focus on improving emotional regulation (e.g., to reduce negative affect and learn healthier coping strategies) to mitigate excessive use of OSA.

Relation between lifespan polytrauma typologies and post-trauma mental health

BackgroundMost individuals experience more than one trauma. Hence, it is important to consider the count and types of traumas (polytraumatization) in relation to post-trauma mental health. MethodThe current study examined the relation of polytraumatization patterns to PTSD clusters (intrusions, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood [NACM], and alterations in arousal and reactivity [AAR]), depression, and impulsivity facets (lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, negative urgency, sensation seeking) using a web-based sample of 346 participants. Age, gender, race, and ethnicity were covariates. ResultsResults of latent class analyses indicated a three-class solution: Low Experience, Moderate Experience – Predominent Threat/Indirect PTEs (Moderate Experience), and High Experience – Predominant Interpersonal PTEs (High/Interpersonal). Multinomial logistic regression results indicated that ethnicity and gender were significant covariates in predicting Low versus High/Interpersonal Class, and Moderate Experience versus High/Interpersonal Class membership, respectively. The High/Interpersonal Class had higher scores on most PTSD clusters, depression, and the impulsivity facets of lack of perseverance and negative urgency compared to the other classes. The Low and Moderate Experience Classes differed on PTSD's avoidance and AAR clusters (lower in the former). ConclusionsIndividuals exposed to multiple PTE types, particularly interpersonal traumas, may be at risk for more severe post-trauma symptoms.

Impulsivity and Response Latency in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: The Role of Negative Urgency in Emotion Regulation.

Impulsivity is thought to be a contributing factor in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), yet the research is limited and inconsistent. In particular, little is known about how impulsivity is associated with response latency between initial urge and later self-injury, emotion regulation processes, or severity of NSSI. In this study, we tested group differences between participants with and without a history of NSSI on a questionnaire measure of impulsivity. In addition, we tested hypothesized correlations between impulsivity and relevant variables within the NSSI sample using questionnaires and self-reported response latency between urge and injury. Participants included 159 undergraduate students, 84 with an NSSI history and 75 without an NSSI history. Results indicated greater impulsivity on facets of Urgency and (lack of) Perseverance for the NSSI group. Within the NSSI sample, facets of impulsivity were associated with difficulties in emotion regulation and NSSI severity, but not response latency. In addition, response latency, a possible behavioral marker of impulsivity, was not associated with emotion regulation processes or NSSI frequency. These results suggest that higher scores on self-report measures of impulsivity, but not behavioral response latency measures, are associated with emotion regulation processes in individuals who self-injure.

Negative Urgency Mediates the Relation between Genetically-Influenced Serotonin Functioning and Alcohol Problems.

Serotonin (5-HT) functioning is associated with alcohol problems. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. The current study tested whether five separate dimensions of impulsivity (UPPS-P) mediated the relation between a polygenic score indexing 5-HT functioning and alcohol problems and whether any of these paths were moderated by age. Results showed that a 5-HT polygenic score predicted alcohol problems indirectly through negative urgency, but not any other facet of impulsivity. The 5-HT polygenic score also directly predicted alcohol problems. No age moderation was found. Findings suggest that negative urgency might be one important mechanism underlying the relation between genetically-influenced 5-HT functioning and alcohol problems. However, genetically-influenced 5-HT functioning likely influences alcohol problems through additional mechanisms. More broadly, results suggest that the previously observed transdiagnostic nature of 5-HT functioning on diverse types of psychopathology might be, in part, explained by its effect on negative urgency.

Shame is bad and guilt is good: An examination of the impaired control over drinking pathway to alcohol use and related problems

Tension Reduction Theory (Kushner, Sher, Wood, & Wood, 1994) suggests alcohol is used as a means to alleviate negative affect (NA) such as shame and guilt. Shame is an internalized response in which blame is placed on the self, while guilt is not internalized and the blame is placed on the situation (Dearing, Stuewig, & Tangney, 2005). This study aims to investigate relationships of shame and guilt to alcohol use and problems through the mechanisms of multiple facets of impulsivity (i.e. UPPS) and impaired control over drinking (IC), which reflect behavioral control processes. The sample consisted of 419 college students (53% female). We examined direct and indirect relationships of shame and guilt on alcohol use and related problems through facets of impulsivity and IC. Shame and guilt were found to diverge (Woien, Ernst, Patock-Peckham, & Nagoshi, 2003). We found that those higher on shame-proneness used more alcohol and experienced more alcohol-related problems through increased negative urgency and IC. Conversely, guilt-prone individuals used less alcohol and experienced fewer alcohol-related problems through less negative urgency and IC. Our findings suggest that guilt is an adaptive form of negative affect, particularly when it comes to alcohol-related outcomes.

Investigating the mediational role of negative urgency in the anxiety sensitivity pathway to cannabis problems and dependence symptoms among postsecondary students

ABSTRACTObjectives: Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is associated with cannabis use. People high in AS may use cannabis to cope with elevated anxiety. This association is consistently supported in the literature. However, we have much to learn about the mechanisms of the AS pathway to cannabis use. We aimed to examine negative urgency—the tendency to act impulsively when distressed—as a mediator of the association of AS with cannabis problems and cannabis dependence symptoms. We hypothesized that negative urgency would uniquely mediate the association of AS with cannabis outcomes after controlling for other facets of impulsivity. Participants and Methods: Postsecondary students (N = 91; Fall 2012) completed online self-reports. To participate, students needed to be ≥18 years old, enrolled in postsecondary studies, and needed to report current cannabis use. Results: Negative urgency uniquely mediated associations between AS and cannabis problems and dependence symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a mechanistic role of negative urgency in the AS pathway to cannabis misuse.

Relationship between measures of impulsivity in opioid-dependent individuals

BackgroundImpulsivity is implicated as a contributing factor to ongoing heroin use. This study aimed to determine the inter-relatedness of a battery of self-reported and performance-based behavioural measures of impulsivity in opioid-dependent individuals. MethodsSeventy-two participants on opioid substitution pharmacotherapy completed a battery of impulsivity measures. We analysed the correlations and factor structure of the impulsivity tasks. ResultsWe observed correlations between self-report measures, but self-report measures were unrelated to the performance-based tasks. For the performance-based tasks, correlations were only observed between outcome measures of the same task, and between outcome measures of the impulsive decision-making tasks. Principal components analysis revealed five components that we labelled self-reported impulsivity, impulsive decision-making with learning, impulsive decision-making without learning, sensitivity index, and responding without consideration of consequences. DiscussionThis study reinforces the distinction between multiple facets of impulsivity. This may assist with comparisons between studies that use different measures of impulsivity, and to design improved treatment interventions that target specific aspects of impulsivity.

Impulsivity Dimensions and Risky Sex Behaviors in an At-Risk Young Adult Sample.

Impulsivity is a personality-based risk factor that has been well studied in relation to risky sexual behavior. Recent conceptualizations of impulsivity have proposed multidimensional facets comprised of premeditation, perseverance, sensation seeking, negative urgency, and positive urgency (UPPS-P model). Prior studies have found that these facets are associated with risky sexual behavior in adolescent and college student samples, but no prior studies have evaluated them in clinical samples. The current study examined how impulsivity-related traits related to two different risky sexual behaviors in a clinical sample of at-risk young adults who had both conduct disorder and substance use disorder symptoms as adolescents (n=529). Lack of premeditation was also tested as a moderator of the relationship between facets of impulsivity and both risky sex outcomes. Results demonstrated that sensation seeking, negative urgency, and positive urgency were correlated with risky sex behaviors. Additionally, multiple regression analyses indicated that sensation seeking was uniquely associated with the number of sexual partners in the past 5years, whereas positive urgency was uniquely associated with unprotected sex while under the influence. Finally, a significant interaction between lack of premeditation and negative urgency suggests that at-risk young adults with both high negative urgency and lack of premeditation were the likeliest to have the most sexual partners in the past 5years. This study adds to the current understanding of the relationship between reward- and affect-driven facets of impulsivity and risky sexual behaviors and may lend utility to the development of interventions for at-risk populations.

Associations between different motivations for animal cruelty, methods of animal cruelty and facets of impulsivity

ABSTRACTAssociations between specific motivations for animal cruelty, particular methods of animal cruelty and different facets of impulsivity were explored among 130 undergraduate students. Participants completed an adapted version of the Boat Inventory on Animal-Related Experiences (BIARE) which asked participants to state whether they had intentionally harmed or killed an animal, the species of animal(s) involved, their motivations for harming or killing the animal(s) and the method(s) used. Participants also completed the Impulsive Behavior scale (UPPS-P) which assesses five facets of impulsivity. Over half of the sample (55%) reported committing at least one act of animal cruelty, and dogs were the most commonly abused species of animal. The most frequently reported motivations were Prejudice, Amusement, Control (of an animal), and Retaliation (against an animal), and the most frequently reported methods were Beating/Kicking, Squashing, Throwing an object at an animal, Shooting, Drowning and Burning. Significant associations were found between particular motivations and methods, as well as between particular methods of animal cruelty and facets of impulsivity. Findings have implications for theoretical models of animal cruelty perpetration as well as offender assessment and treatment.

Trait emotional intelligence in a sample of Egyptianchildren with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The link between types and severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and trait emotional intelligence (TEI) is still underinvestigated, especially in children. We aimed to examine the relationship between TEI and ADHD symptoms in a sample of Egyptian children. The study included 50 children with ADHD, who were compared on the basis of their TEI and contrasted with 25 matched healthy controls. They were subjected to the Arabic version of the following scales: Connors scale 3rd edition, parent rating form, Kiddie-Schedule for affective disorders and Schizophrenia present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), Stanford Binet intelligence scale, 4th edition and Trait Emotional Intelligence Child form (TEI) and a semistructured clinical data sheet for sociodemographic data. Using TEI scale, the control group was shown to have higher scores in TEI than cases, there was a high significant difference with regards to eight of nine TEI facets together with the TEI global score. Moreover, the control group significantly outperformed ADHD children with mixed and hyperactive subtypes on TEI global score in all facets except for adaptability. Meanwhile, the inattentive group performed significantly poorer than those in the control group on TEI global score, adaptability, emotional expression, self-motivation and emotion regulation facets. Trait Emotional Intelligence was negatively correlated with four of ADHD symptom groups assessed by Connors test, namely; impulsivity, cognitive, social problem, and emotional liability symptoms. However, Impulsivity was negatively correlated with all the domains of TEI except for adaptability and emotional expression. On the other hand, oppositional symptoms did not show a significant correlation with any of the TEI facets. Trait emotional intelligence is highly impaired in children with ADHD and emotional deficits are corner stone features of that disorder, low impulsivity facet of TEI is highly correlated with social problems and poor peer relations.

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Interactive and indirect effects of trait impulsivity facets on body mass index

Impulsivity is a personality trait that may be a risk factor for overweight and obesity. Increasing evidence suggests, however, that only specific facets of impulsivity are associated with eating- and weight-related variables. Moreover, there seem to be interactive effects such that eating-related self-regulation is low when more than one impulsivity facet is elevated. Finally, the effect of impulsivity on body weight appears to be indirect, that is, is mediated by eating behaviors. In the current study, 790 adults (83% female, 80% students) completed a short form of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the Perceived Self-Regulatory Success in Dieting Scale online and reported their current height and weight. Scores on attentional and motor impulsivity were interactively associated with perceived self-regulatory success in weight regulation: Higher attentional impulsivity was associated with lower perceived self-regulatory success at high levels of motor impulsivity, but not at low levels of motor impulsivity. A moderated mediation model revealed an indirect effect of attentional impulsivity on body mass index (BMI) via perceived self-regulatory success in weight regulation at high, but not low levels of motor impulsivity. Non-planning impulsivity was unrelated to perceived self-regulatory success in weight regulation and BMI. Results support previous findings such that attentional and motor impulsivity are interactively associated with eating- and weight-related measures. Specifically, eating-related self-regulation is low when both attentional and motor impulsivity levels are high. Moreover, results further support that self-reported trait impulsivity is not directly related to BMI, but indirectly via eating behaviors as potential mediators.

Validation of the short Arabic UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale

BackgroundImpulsivity is involved in numerous psychiatric and addictive disorders, as well as in risky behaviors. The UPPS-P scale highlights five complementary impulsivity constructs (i.e., positive urgency, negative urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, and sensation seeking) that possibly work as different pathways linking impulsivity to other disorders. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arab language short 20-item UPPS-P scale and to eventually validate it.MethodsParticipants were recruited online through e-mail invitations. After online informed consent was obtained, the questionnaires (the UPPS-P and the Compulsive Internet Use Scale [CIUS]) were completed anonymously. The five dimensions of the Arab UPPS-P model were assessed in a sample of 743 participants.ResultsAs in other linguistic assessments of the UPPS-P, confirmatory factor analysis showed the validity of a model with five different, but nonetheless interrelated, facets of impulsivity. A three-factor model with two higher order factors—urgency (negative and positive) and lack of conscientiousness (lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance)—and a third sensation seeking factor fit the data well, but to a lesser extent. The results suggested good internal consistency, with external validity shown from correlations between some of the UPPS-P components and a measure of addictive Internet use (the CIUS).ConclusionThe Arab short UPPS-P is a valid assessment tool with good psychometric properties and is suitable for online use.

Social rejection magnifies impulsive behavior among individuals with greater negative urgency: An experimental test of urgency theory.

Impulsivity is a multifaceted trait with substantial implications for human well-being. One facet of impulsivity is negative urgency, the tendency to act impulsively in response to negative affect. Correlational evidence suggests that negative affect magnifies impulsive behavior among individuals with greater negative urgency, yet causal evidence for this core pillar of urgency theory is lacking. To fill this gap in the literature, participants (N = 363) were randomly assigned to experience social rejection (a situation shown to induce negative affect) or acceptance. Participants then reported their subjective negative affect, completed a behavioral measure of impulsivity, and reported their negative urgency. Among individuals with relatively high and average negative urgency, social rejection increased their impulsive behavior through greater experiences of negative affect. These indirect effects were not observed among individuals relatively low in negative urgency. These findings suggest that negative urgency exists at the nexus of urgent dispositions and situations that elicit negative affect, which offers novel support for urgency theory. (PsycINFO Database Record

An investigation of two dimensions of impulsivity as predictors of loss-of-control eating severity and frequency

Loss-of-control (LOC) eating episodes represent one form of dysregulated eating common to full- and sub-threshold eating disorders. Extensive evidence suggests that impulsivity, particularly in the context of negative affect and/or depression, may play an important etiological role in the development and maintenance of LOC eating. However, most prior studies have considered LOC eating as a dichotomous rather than dimensional construct, and few studies have considered the interaction of multiple dimensions of impulsivity while also accounting for the role of depressive symptoms. The present study examined the independent and interacting effects of two facets of impulsivity—response inhibition and negative urgency—on LOC eating episode severity and frequency among college women (N = 102). Depressive symptom severity was included as a covariate. Results indicated that greater negative urgency was associated with greater LOC severity; this effect was moderated by response inhibition, such that the effect of urgency was particularly pronounced for individuals with higher response inhibition capacity. Negative urgency was the only significant predictor of LOC frequency. Depression had no significant effect on either LOC severity or frequency (ps ≥ 0.16). Results support the importance of considering multiple facets of impulsivity in predicting LOC eating behavior, and further indicate that factors influencing subjective severity and frequency of LOC may be distinct.

Étude des liens entre conduite automobile agressive et transgressive et impulsivité : compréhension empirique et clinique à l’aide du modèle UPPS de l’impulsivité

The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between impulsiveness and aggressive and transgressive driving using the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale. A total of 353 participants (laypersons) filled the Aggressive Driving Behavior Scale (ADBS) and the UPPS. Main results indicate: positive correlations between the four facets of impulsiveness and aggressive and transgressive driving and urgency and sensation-seeking are significant predictors of aggressive driving and its dimensions. These results highlight the need to develop treatment based on an in-depth clinical evaluation of prime behaviours.