Impulsivity components measured by the Brazilian version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Content item analysis was conducted by seven doctoral students. A convenience sample of 897 students was submitted to BIS-11 and they also fi lled self-reports about Minor Mental Disorder and ADHD symptoms, alcohol use and cigarette smoking. Mean age was 27.32 (SD=8.69) years, 56% were female and 52% had incomplete college degree. Content and factorial analyses revealed that impulsivity was best represented by two latent factors labeled non-planning and inhibition behaviors. Test retest agreement tended to produce similar score patterns seven months after the fi rst evaluation. Additionally, BIS-11 scores discriminated subjects in terms of cigarette smoking and psychopathological symptoms, which indicated evidences regarding criterion-related validity. The theoretical discussion was present based on the neuropsychological model of hot and cool aspects of executive function. Keywords: Impulsivity, dimensionality, BIS-11. ResumoO objetivo principal desse estudo foi investigar as características psicométricas da Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). A análise do conteúdo dos itens foi realizada por sete doutorandos. A amostra foi composta por 897 estudantes submetidos a BIS-11 e a medidas de autorrelato sobre a presença de sintomas de Transtorno Mental Comum e TDAH, uso de álcool e tabagismo. A idade média foi de 27,32 (DP=8,69) anos, 56% eram mulheres e 52% tinham educação superior incompleta. Análises de conteúdo e fatorial indicaram que a impulsividade é representada mais adequadamente por dois fatores denominados difi culdade de planejamento e controle inibitório. Concordância teste-reteste indicou que os escores se mantiveram estáveis após sete meses. Adicionalmente, os escores da BIS-11 discriminaram os indivíduos em termos de tabagismo e sintomas psicopatológicos, indicando evidências de validade de critério. A discussão dos resultados foi baseada no modelo neuropsicológico dos componentes quentes e frios das funções executivas.

Normative data of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 (BIS-11) for Brazilian adults

“…As pointed by Mitrushina et al, 14 when considering screening tasks, a Cronbach's alpha value above 0.6 is considered to be acceptable. In our study, only the two-factor version reached these psychometric properties.…”

Measuring Impulsivity in Greek Adults: Psychometric Properties of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Impulsive Behavior Scale (Short Version of UPPS-P)

“…Taking into account the aforementioned statement as well as the position of several theories that impulsivity is related to distinct personality traits and to neuropsychological functions, the present study aimed to test the psychometric properties of two psychometric tools measuring impulsivity in the Greek adult population: the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and the Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P). Both measures have been used in a wide range of genetic, neuropsychological and psychological studies in non-Greek populations [2].…”

“…Finally, Vasconcelos et al [2], in a review of the psychometric proprieties of BIS-11, stated that both the numbers and content factors assessed were unstable, which may lead to potential misinterpretations of the scores used to characterize impulsivity in clinical and non-clinical groups. They also commended new efforts to explore BIS-11 items' internal organization rather than applying the initial model to calculate scores.…”

Abandono do tratamento e cessação do tabagismo: análise dos dados de um programa de controle

“…Algumas pessoas, mesmo intelectualmente desenvolvidas, podem fracassar em responder adequadamente aos desafios da vida por não conseguirem se organizar. 23 Uma das hipóteses que vem sendo estudada é a de que o consumo de tabaco seja reflexo de uma busca por "automedicar-se" para alívio dos sintomas decorrentes do Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção, atuando como recurso para melhoria dos processos de atenção e cognição. A prevalência de tabagismo em adolescentes e adultos com Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção tende a ser maior, em comparação a sujeitos sem o transtorno.…”