Psychometrically improved, abbreviated versions of three classic measures of impulsivity and self-control.

Bibliographic Data

ID23356367
AuthorsMeghan E Morean (0000-0003-4865-1155, Yale University), Kelly S DeMartini (0000-0003-0943-2507, Yale University), Robert F Leeman (0000-0002-7003-8907, Yale University), Godfrey D Pearlson (0000-0002-7525-5185, Yale University), Alan Anticevic (0000-0002-4324-0536, Yale University), Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, Suchitra Krishnan‐Sarin (0000-0002-3272-9782, Yale University), John H Krystal (0000-0001-6952-1726, Yale University), Stephanie S O’malley (0000-0003-0988-5522, Yale University), Stephanie S O'Malley
Year2014
Volume26
Issue3
Pages1003-1020
Publication date2014-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychological Assessment (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1040-3590 • E-ISSN: 1939-134X
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association (APA) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1037/pas0000003
PMID24885848
PMCIDPMC4152397
OpenAlexW2045029031
LanguageEN
Citations received57
References cited28

Self-reported impulsivity confers risk factor for substance abuse. However, the psychometric properties of many self-report impulsivity measures have been questioned, thereby undermining the interpretability of study findings using these measures. To better understand these measurement limitations and to suggest a path to assessing self-reported impulsivity with greater psychometric stability, we conducted a comprehensive psychometric evaluation of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), the Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Scales (BIS/BAS), and the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) using data from 1,449 individuals who participated in substance use research. For each measure, we evaluated (a) latent factor structure, (b) measurement invariance, (c) test-criterion relationships between the measures, and (d) test-criterion relations with drinking and smoking outcomes. Notably, we could not replicate the originally published latent structure for the BIS, BIS/BAS, or BSCS or any previously published alternative factor structure (English language). Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, we identified psychometrically improved, abbreviated versions of each measure: 8-item, 2-factor BIS-11 (root-mean-square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .06, comparative fit index [CFI] = .95); 13-item, 4-factor BIS/BAS (RMSEA = .04, CFI = .96); and 7-item, 2-factor BSCS (RMSEA = .05, CFI = .96). These versions evidenced (a) stable, replicable factor structures, (b) scalar measurement invariance, ensuring our ability to make statistically interpretable comparisons across subgroups of interest (e.g., sex, race, drinking/smoking status), and (c) test-criterion relationships with each other and with drinking/smoking. This study provides strong support for using these psychometrically improved impulsivity measures, which improve data quality directly through better scale properties and indirectly through reducing response burden.

Barratt Impulsiveness Scale · Confirmatory factor analysis · Developmental psychology · Exploratory factor analysis · Impulsivity · Measurement invariance · Poison control · Psychometrics · Statistics · Structural equation modeling · Test validity · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · Mental Health Research Topics · Psychology · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

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