Impulsivity Research Articles

White matter correlates of impulsive behavior in healthy individuals: A diffusion magnetic resonance imaging study.

To explore white matter (WM) tracts linked to impulsivity using the diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (DMRI) connectometry method. We analyzed 218 healthy participants from the Leipzig Study for Mind-Body-Emotion Interactions database. Impulsivity correlations with DMRI-derived WM changes were assessed using Urgency-Premeditation-Perseverance-Sensation (UPPS) Impulsive Behavior Scale subscales: lack of perseverance (PE), lack of premeditation (PM), sensation seeking (SS), and negative urgency. DMRI data were processed using connectometry, adjusting for sex and age, to examine WM tract integrity via quantitative anisotropy (QA). Also, two additional interaction analyses were conducted to separately examine the interaction effect between WM QA, and sex and age in predicting impulsive behavior scores. The significance level in our statistical analyses was set at a false discovery rate (FDR) below 0.05. QA in the bilateral cerebellum and middle cerebellar peduncle showed a negative association with PE and PM severity (FDR = 0.0004). QA in the middle cerebellar peduncle, corpus callosum body, and forceps major demonstrated a positive association with SS (FDR = 0.0001). Conversely, QA in forceps minor had a positive association with PM (FDR = 0.004), and QA in forceps minor and bilateral cingulum showed a positive association with SS (FDR = 0.0005). Age and sex had no significant effects on the association between WM QA and UPPS subscale scores. Impulsivity is linked to distinct WM integrity changes in various tracts, including the corpus callosum, cerebellum, and cingulum, offering insights into the pathophysiology of impulsivity and guiding future research.

Indulging in virtual luxuries: unveiling the allure of impulse buying in metaverse

PurposeThis study aimed to examine consumers’ impulse purchases of luxury products in the metaverse, specifically by exploring how consumers’ motivational and emotional experiences affect virtual luxury product purchases in the metaverse.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to a total of 230 users of various metaverse platforms in China. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) disjoint two-stage approach.FindingsThe findings indicated that motivational experience (goal importance and goal interest) and positive emotion (fantasy, feeling and fun) have positive effects on impulse buying of luxury products in the metaverse, but none for negative emotions (loneliness and isolation).Practical implicationsThis study indicated that understanding and leveraging consumers’ motivational experiences and positive emotions can drive their impulse buying behaviour of luxury products in the metaverse, hence providing virtual and brand retailers with a testbed for their products before they launch in the physical market.Originality/valueThis study enriches our comprehension of consumers’ metaverse luxury purchases by delving into the impacts of motivational and emotional experiences on impulse buying behaviours.

The association between minority stressors, intraminority stressors, and borderline personality disorder symptomatology among sexual minority men.

Sexual minority men are more likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Minority stressors have been associated with criteria for borderline personality disorder (e.g., substance use, suicidality, impulsive behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties with rejection). However, to date, there are no known studies examining the association between traditional minority and intraminority stressors and borderline personality disorder symptomatology. The purpose of the study is to examine the association between traditional and intraminority stressors and borderline personality disorder symptomatology among sexual minority men. Data were collected from 312 sexual minority men (Mage = 24.00, SD = 4.04) via Qualtrics panels across the United States. A hierarchical linear regression was conducted with borderline personality disorder symptomatology as the outcome variable. Minority stressors (i.e., internalized homophobia, sexual orientation concealment, major discrimination, and day-to-day discrimination) were entered in Step 1, and intraminority stress was entered in Step 2. In Step 1, both major and day-to-day discrimination were significantly positively associated with borderline personality disorder symptomatology. In Step 2, intraminority stress was significantly positively associated with borderline personality disorder symptomatology, and day-to-day discrimination remained significant. These findings warrant clinicians to evaluate both minority and intraminority stressors, which may be an additional risk factor in the development and/or maintenance of borderline personality disorder symptomatology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Faecal microbiota composition and impulsivity in a cohort of older adults with metabolic syndrome.

Impulsivity is an important determinant of human behaviour, affecting self-control, reasonable thinking and food choices. Recent evidence suggests a role for gut microbiota in human behaviour, but the relationship between gut microbiota and impulsive behaviours remains largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, the present study aims to explore the associations between faecal microbiota composition with trait and behavioural impulsivity, in a subcohort of the PREDIMED-Plus trial, including older adults presenting overweight/obesity. Fecal samples (n = 231) were profiled for their microbiota composition using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and impulsivity was determined through four different assessments. Adherence to different dietary patterns was estimated through questionnaires. Beta diversity analyses showed a significant association with the Conner's Performance Test (CPT) in multivariate-adjusted models, and, in total, 13 bacterial genera associated with CPT. Erysipelotrichaceae UCG 003 showed the highest association with CPT and known butyrate producers such as Butyricicoccus spp., Roseburia spp., and Eubacterium hallii were among the identified bacteria. The bacteria Lachnospiraceae UCG 001, Anaerostipes and Blautia were associated with CPT and also the adherence to healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets. In addition, functional analysis showed a significant negative association between the CPT and the glucuronate and galacturonate metabolic pathways. From the other impulsivity assessments, two more associations were identified, for the genus Phascolarctobacterium with the Stroop test, and the genus Lachnospiraceae GAG 54 with the positive urgency subscore of UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale. Overall, our findings suggest potential links between the faecal microbiota composition and function with behavioural impulsive inattention as determined by the CPT.

Digital Influencers' Visual Narratives and Algorithmic Power: Identi-ty Construction and Impulsive Consumption on Social Networks

This study explores how visual narratives created by digital influencers, combined with personalized algorithmic recommendations, influence impulsive buying behavior and identity construction on social commerce platforms. Through a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with active social commerce consumers and methodological triangulation was used. The results indicate that impulsive purchases are not merely reactions to visual stimuli, but part of a broader strategy of self-expression and social validation. Additionally, algorithms play an active role in amplifying these behaviors by customizing recommendations that align with consumers’ identity aspirations. The research reveals that impulsive consumption in digital environments is driven by cultural, technological, and social factors, suggesting that social commerce platforms not only facilitate consumption but also serve as spaces for identity experimentation. These findings offer new theoretical insights into the role of consumption in digital identity formation and practical implications for brands seeking to engage consumers in a more authentic and personalized manner.

The Role of Dopamine in Impulsivity and Substance Abuse: A Narrative Review

Substance use disorder (SUD), based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is defined by symptoms caused by utilizing a substance that a person continues taking despite its negative effects. Impulsive decision making is commonly defined as a reduced ability to choose a delayed large reward instead of a small immediate reward. Dopamine has been implicated as a prominent neurotransmitter implicated in the development and pattern of addiction and impulsivity, especially in regard to substance use disorder. Discovery as a key player in the development of addiction dates to the 1950s, with a study performed by Olds and Milner on rats placed in a Skinner box. Their original discovery is part of the beginning of what would become the search into the main mechanistic source of addiction, and how exactly it works at a cellular, physiological, and psychological level. The dopaminergic pathways of our brains are well-studied. It is well established that most of the dopaminergic neurons of the brain are located in the ventral mid-brain and consists of four main pathways: mesocortical, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and tuberoinfundibular pathways. Dopamine acts various receptors, with dopamine (D) receptors 1, 2, and 3 playing a major role in motor function and receptors D1 and D2 playing a major role in reward. There are additional studies warranted, especially finding ways to manipulate the dopaminergic system to treat addiction disorders of all varieties. The focus of the present investigation is to delve into the current literature regarding dopamine and its clinical implications in substance use disorder and impulsive behavior.

Prolonged exertion of self-control causes increased sleep-like frontal brain activity and changes in aggressivity and punishment

Impulsive reactions in social interactions may result in poor or even detrimental outcomes. Particular cognitive states, such as mental fatigue induced by extended practice with cognitively demanding activities, especially if combined with sleep restriction or deprivation, seem to impair the individuals' ability to exert self-control effectively and may result in impulsive behaviors, including aggressive acts. We demonstrate that exertion of self-control for as little as 45 min can lead to an increased propensity for engaging in aggressive acts in the context of socially relevant choices, as measured by a set of economic games. Also, we show that such behavioral changes are associated with increased sleep-like (delta) activity within frontal brain areas related to decision-making and impulse control. The local occurrence of sleep-like slow waves may lead to a disengagement of frontal areas and explain the reduced ability of individuals to exert self-control effectively. Our results suggest that sleep-like activity may emerge within the awake brain within a relatively short time scale, with detectable effects on socially relevant behavior.

Study on Pharmacological Treatment of Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is neurodegenerative, and additionally, a percentage higher than 60% is represented by the patients with associated psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety disorders and depression. Due to illness itself and to therapy secondary effects, there is a high risk for these patients to develop impulse control disorders like ICDs: compulsive shopping, pathological gambling binge eating disorder, and hypersexuality. There is high interest in therapy so as to diminish, as much as possible, the associated ICD symptoms. This article presents a study on pharmacological treatment of impulse control disorders in Parkinson disease carried on a sample of patients in hospitals where the authors have their clinical work. This study was carried on for a period of 6 years and is focused on research of different treatment plans. The patients were evaluated by the Hamilton Rating Scale. Statistical analysis of the obtained data (given by the HAM-A scores) is used for data processing. All patients showed a reduction in their impulse behavior. The directions of further research development are mentioned.

Associations Between Sleep Health and Child Behavior at Age 6 Years in the INSIGHT Study.

Suboptimal sleep is associated with disruptive behaviors in childhood. We evaluate associations of mean and variability (SD) of sleep duration, quality, and timing with emotion regulation, impulsivity, and prosocial and antisocial behavior in children. Intervention Nurses Start Infants Growing on Healthy Trajectories, a randomized controlled trial designed for obesity prevention, compared a responsive parenting intervention delivered in the first 2.5 years after birth with a home safety control group. At age 6 years, children wore an actigraphy device for 7 days and participated in behavioral tasks evaluating behavioral control, emotion regulation, and prosocial and antisocial behaviors. Separate linear regression models examined associations between sleep and behavioral variables, adjusting for study group, child sex, and household income. Moderation analysis investigated whether the study group moderated relationships between sleep and positive age-appropriate behavior. Children (N = 143, age 6.7 ± 0.3 years) were predominantly non-Hispanic White (95%). Mean actigraphic sleep duration, quality, and timing were not associated with behavioral variables. By contrast, greater variability in sleep onset timing was associated with greater impulsivity (B = 0.85, p = 0.004) and poorer emotion regulation (B = -0.65, p = 0.01). Greater variability in sleep midpoint timing was associated with greater impulsivity (B = 0.80, p = 0.03). The study group moderated the effect of sleep onset variability on behavior; only the home safety control group exhibited a significant negative relationship between variability in sleep onset timing and emotion regulation (B = -1.28, p = 0.0002). Findings support the importance of consistency in sleep timing and how this may play a greater role in children's behavioral and emotional outcomes than mean actigraphic sleep duration and quality.

Impact Of UPI Transaction on Purchasing Decision of Customers: A Survey in Chennai City

In today’s digital age, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has significantly transformed consumer purchasing behavior, making transactions more seamless and efficient. This study investigates the impact of UPI transactions on customers' purchasing decisions in Chennai, analyzing awareness, usage patterns, and the role of demographic factors. Data collected from 121 respondents reveal a high awareness and adoption rate of UPI, with a substantial portion of participants preferring UPI over cash for everyday purchases. Regression analysis indicates a strong positive correlation (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) between UPI transaction frequency and consumer purchasing activity. Additionally, age and income are shown to significantly influence UPI usage. The findings highlight UPI’s role in enhancing consumer convenience and security while promoting more frequent and impulsive buying behavior. The study offers insights for marketers and policymakers to leverage digital payment trends for improved consumer engagement.

Prospectively predicting 6-month risk for non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents after psychiatric hospitalization based on a predictive model

BackgroundIt is challenging to predict the occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents over short periods. Moreover, the predictive value of indices for NSSI remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to identify predictors of NSSI within 6 months among adolescents after psychiatric hospitalization by establishing a risk assessment model.MethodsA total of 632 high-risk participants were included in this study. The distribution characteristics of adolescent NSSI were initially assessed through a cross-sectional survey, following which risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis. The risk score method was then used to construct a 6-month risk assessment model for NSSI. Lastly, the predictive effect of the model was evaluated by indicators such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the positive predictive value.ResultsAfter 6 months, 412 cases of NSSI were identified. According to the logistic regression model, the frequency of relapses, medication status, and NSSI history were identified as influencing factors. Higher scores on the Impulsive Behavior Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were associated with a higher risk of NSSI. Conversely, higher scores on the Pain and Belief Perception Scale were correlated with a lower risk of NSSI. Moreover, the area under the ROC curve for the predictive model was 0.9989, with a 95% confidence interval of (0.9979, 0.9999), highlighting its high predictive ability and accuracy. The predictive model was validated using 78 patients, yielding an area under the ROC curve of 0.9703 and a 95% confidence interval of (0.9167, 0.9999), demonstrating outstanding predictability.ConclusionThese results collectively showed that the predictive model could accurately predict adolescent NSSI. Thus, the model’s primary variables may be applied to predict the risk of NSSI in the clinical setting.

Prevalence of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Medical Students, King Faisal University

Background: The neurobehavioral disorder known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty in maintaining focus. According to recent research, it can last into adulthood. Regarding identifying adult ADHD, the fifth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" has undergone major alteration. As far as we are aware, few research has been done in the Gulf region on adult ADHD among medical students.Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on students of medicine from all academic years in King Faisal University, Hofuf, from December 2023 until June 2024. 279 medical students participated in the study. Self-reported English questionnaires with two sections—a sociodemographic section and a screening scale for adult ADHD based on the DSM5 version—were utilized for the investigation. Outcomes: (14. %) of pupils mentioned having signs of ADHD. Results: Of the sample, 14% of students exhibited ADHD symptoms, a rate higher than the global prevalence. Female students (13.1%) and first-year students (18.9%) showed significant ADHD symptoms. Psychological comorbidities were present in 28.6% of ADHD-affected students compared to 11.4% of non-affected students. The ADHD group demonstrated mild but notable challenges in concentration, relaxation, and impulsive behavior, with implications for academic performance and stress management.Conclusion: Our study shows a higher prevalence compared with a worldwide prevalence of i.e., 14%. This difference could be due to community interaction and way of living life style factors. Those individuals may have difficulty in communication and learning which can disturb students’ academic efficiency, lengthen their study, and even disturb their development.

Compulsive Use of Social Media and Unrestrained Buying Behavior: Delineating the Role of Social Comparison, Fear of Missing Out and Self Esteem

Drawing on Theory of Compensatory Internet Use and Social Comparison Theory, the study explores how compulsive use of social media can lead to impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors among young adults in India. Findings reveal that compulsive social media use positively correlates with both impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors. This relationship is significant mediated by social comparison and FoMO, suggesting that users who frequently engage in social media are more likely to compare themselves to others and experience anxiety over missing out, thereby driving them towards unrestrained buying. Additionally, self-esteem negatively significant moderates these relationships, with individuals possessing high self-esteem less likely to succumb to impulsive and compulsive buying due to social comparison and FoMO. Research contributes significantly to digital marketing field by offering insights into the darker aspects of social media’s impact on consumer behaviour. Furthermore, study’s conceptual model integrates compensatory internet use theory and social comparison theory, providing a novel framework for future research on digital consumption behaviors.

Impulsivity Moderates the Association Between Hazardous Alcohol Use and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Cisgender Bisexual Women

Bisexual women report higher rates of alcohol use and risky sexual behavior than lesbian and heterosexual women. Impulsivity (i.e., action without considering negative consequences) is a risk factor for greater alcohol use and sexual behavior, but few studies have examined the impact of impulsivity on alcohol use and sexual behavior among cisgender bisexual women. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to examine the moderating role of impulsivity on the association between hazardous alcohol use and sexual risk-taking among cisgender bisexual emerging adults. Participants were 225 self-identified cisgender bisexual women (Ma ge = 22.77, SD = 3.45) who completed an online survey about their hazardous alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), impulsivity, and sexual behaviors over the past 30 days. A moderated regression model examined main effects of impulsivity and alcohol use severity, and their interaction, on sexual risk-taking. The association between alcohol use severity and sexual risk-taking was moderated by impulsivity. Simple slopes analyses revealed that greater alcohol use severity was associated with greater sexual risk-taking, but this only occurred for participants with average or high scores of impulsivity. These results suggest prevention programs that target alcohol use should address the role that impulsivity may have on risky sexual behaviors among young bisexual women. Future research would benefit from looking at various outcomes related to sexual risk to determine which are most predominantly associated with alcohol use severity and impulsivity.

The Impulsivity of Gen Z: The Influence of External and Situational Factors in a Traditional Buying Environment

The research assesses the impact of external and situational factors on impulsive buying behavior among Generation Z (Gen Z). Two external factors (EF) (sales promotions /discounts (SP) and store environment (SE)) and two situational factors (SF) (time availability (TA) and money availability (MA)) were studied.The data was analyzed from 201 Gen Z respondents through an online survey. The proposed model examined the direct relationships between EF and IBB and SF and IBB. Two hypotheses were developed and analyzed using SmartPLS-4.The results depicted that EF and SF had a positive significant impact in triggering impulse buying among Gen Z. The study also found that when external and situational factors are considered together (ComE), they have a significant and positive impact on the impulse buying behavior of Gen Z.This study looks at impulse buying behavior of Gen Z in a traditional (brick and mortar) setting which will help marketers target this segment appropriately.

Perilaku Impulse Buying Konsumen pada Produk Lifestyle dengan Pendekatan Theory Of Planned Behavior

Increasing economic growth and development of the retail industry in Indonesia has strengthened competition among retail business players. Therefore, one way for companies to compete with other retail businesses is to understand the factors that trigger impulsive buying behavior. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the factors in the Theory of Planned Behavior, namely attitude toward behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on impulse buying behavior, either directly or indirectly through impulse buying intention. The sampling method used is non-probability sampling, and the technique to be used is purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Square - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample size of 165 respondents. The results of the study prove that attitude toward behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control influence impulse buying intention. Attitude toward behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control influence impulse buying behavior, either directly or through impulse buying intention. Additionally, impulse buying intention influences impulse buying behavior. This research contributes to companies in designing marketing strategies to shape consumers impulsive buying behavior. Keywords: Impulse Buying, Attitude Toward the Behavior, Subjective Norm dan Perceived Behavioral Control.

The moderating role of protective factors in shift work disorder and health outcomes: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study investigated whether sleep-specific (e.g. chronotype) and traditional (e.g. resilience) protective factors were associated with reduced shift work disorder (SWD) risk and explored their role as moderators in the relationship between SWD risk and health. Shift workers (n = 126) participated in a cross-sectional study evaluating SWD risk (i.e. low vs. high; SWD-screening Questionnaire), mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7), physical health (Subjective Health Complaints Inventory), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Insomnia Severity Index; Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and protective factors (Resilience Scale; Social Provisions Scale; Survey of Perceived Organizational Support; Short Impulsive Behavior Scale; Circadian Type Inventory; reduced-Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire). Logistic regressions revealed lower sleep languidity was associated with reduced odds (OR = 0.88 [0.79,0.96]) for having high SWD risk. Multiple regression analyses showed in shift workers with high social support or morningness, having high SWD risk was not associated with increased depression symptoms, or insomnia severity and poor sleep quality, respectively. Finally, in those with high or medium levels of perceived organizational support, high SWD risk was not associated with increased gastrointestinal and allergy complaints. Longitudinal research with larger samples is needed to confirm the moderating role of protective factors in the relationship between SWD risk and health.

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Impulsive Behavior Scale of Barratt on pre-hospital personnel

Introduction: Impulsivity means acting with the least thought towards future behaviors or acting based on thoughts that are not the best option for a person or others. This study was conducted to investigate psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Impulsive Behavior Scale (IBS) of Barratt on pre-hospital personnel of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Materials and Methods: This methodological study was conducted 18 pre-hospital emergency centers of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during 2022-2023. In this study, the Persian version of the IBS has been used. Face and content validity of the scale in this study was confirmed using qualitative and quantitative methods, and construct validity was confirmed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated by Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for each field and the scale. Results: The IBS had three unplanned, motor and attentional subscales with 23 items and the varimax rotation showed variance of 52.06%. In CFA, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was equal to 0.093 and normalized fit index (NFI), comparative fit index (CFI), goodness of fit (GFI) and incremental fit index (IFI) were higher than 0.9. Cronbach's alpha coefficient in the scale was 0.85%, and the intra-subject correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.84%. Conclusion: The study results showed that the scale for pre-hospital personnel had the required validity and reliability, and it can be used for the impulsive behavior in pre-hospital personnel.

Neurophysiological correlates of trait and behavioral impulsivity across methamphetamine and gambling Addiction

Investigating neurophysiological markers linked to impulsivity in individuals with gambling and methamphetamine addiction using resting-state EEG data offers valuable insights into the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms associated with impulsivity in individuals with addiction. This study aims to use resting-state EEG to explore the connection between various types of addiction and different aspects of impulsivity. Participants from the methamphetamine, gambling, and healthy control groups (abbreviation: MA, GB, HC) underwent EEG recordings and completed measures of impulsivity. Group differences in trait scores and behavioral tendencies were analyzed. Abnormal connections with node linkage and importance changes were analyzed through the resting-state EEG power spectral and network analyses. Further, relationships between impulsivity scores and connectivity differences in groups were explored through correlation analysis. Finally, these abnormal connections related to impulsivity were tested for their effect of distinguishing individuals with addiction from healthy controls through the ROC analysis. Results revealed that GB displayed the highest trait impulsivity on the overall score, while MA exhibited greater attentional impulsivity. Variations in behavioral impulsivity were reflected in response times. Resting-state EEG analysis showed higher beta power in GB. Specific channel pairs demonstrated abnormal connections and altered connectivity patterns in the beta band, with MA displaying a less efficient network compared to GB. Correlation analyses uncovered associations between impulsivity scores and connectivity, which were influenced by group differences. Furthermore, resting-state EEG connections effectively differentiated individuals with addiction from healthy controls. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the neural mechanisms of addiction-related impulsivity, emphasizing the potential of resting-state EEG connections as an important neurophysiological correlate.

Food insecurity and adolescent impulsivity: The mediating role of functional connectivity in the context of family flexibility.

Adolescent food insecurity is a salient adversity hypothesized to affect neural systems associated with increased impulsive behavior. Family environments shape how adverse experiences influence development. In this study, hypotheses were tested regarding the conjoint effects of food insecurity and family flexibility on impulsivity via alterations in connectivity between regions within the salience and central executive networks. Such alterations are reflected in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) metrics between the anterior insula (AI) and the middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Hypotheses were tested in a longitudinal moderated mediation model with two waves of data from 142 adolescents (Time 1 [T1] Mage = 12.89, SD=0.85; Time 2 [T2] Mage = 15.01, SD=1.07). Data on past-year household food insecurity, family flexibility, and rsFC were obtained at T1. Impulsivity was self-reported by the adolescent at T1 and T2. Findings revealed that high T1 left-to-left rsFC between the AI and MFG was associated with increased impulsivity at T2. The interaction of family flexibility and food insecurity was associated with AI and MFG rsFC. In the context of low family flexibility, food insecurity was linked to high levels of AI and MFG rsFC. Conversely, in the context of optimal family flexibility, food insecurity was associated with low levels of AI and MFG rsFC. Conditional indirect analysis suggests that the links among food insecurity, rsFC, and impulsive behavior depend on family flexibility. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Adolescent food insecurity was associated with anterior insula and middle frontal gyrus connectivity only at certain levels of family flexibility. High family flexibility attenuated the link between food insecurity and neural connectivity, while low levels of family flexibility increased this risk. High left anterior insula and left middle frontal gyrus connectivity was associated with increased impulsivity 1 year later.