The Barratt Impulsivity Scale is a self-administered questionnaire that assesses impulse control disorders. It consists of 30 questions scored on a four-point scale and three subscales: motor, non-planning, and cognitive impulsivity. The scale is widely used by mental health professionals and researchers.
The Barratt Impulsivity Scale is a 30-item self-administered questionnaire that helps assess whether and to what extent a person may have impulse control disorder or pathological impulsivity. Each of the 30 questions is scored four points. The questions concern how someone thinks and behaves without reference to a specific moment. The questionnaire consists of three subscales: motor, non-planning, and cognitive impulsivity. Ernest S. Barratt, the author of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale, suggests that a score of 75 or higher likely indicates an impulse control disorder, while those with pathological impulsivity often score between 70 and 75 points.
First developed in the 1950s, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale has been revised at least 11 times. Barratt, the author, was an internationally renowned researcher in the field of personality and impulsive aggression who passed away in 2005. The Him Scale was developed primarily to measure impulsivity independent of anxiety as an aid to researchers.
When answering the questionnaire, the respondent is asked to rank how often they engage in particular thoughts or behaviors. An answer of almost always or always gets four points, while an answer of rarely or never is worth one point. Some items marked with an asterisk have a reverse score. After answering all the questions, the total score is calculated. Normative data are available for many sample populations ranging from female substance abuse patients to university males.
Within the Barratt Impulsivity Scale there are three subscales that measure specific types of impulsivity. Certain items in the questionnaire are linked to each of these subscales. This allows the respondent or researcher to calculate a total score as well as subscale scores.
The Impulsive Without Planning subscale measures a person’s lack of consideration for the future and present orientation. In other words, the focus of this subscale is the respondent’s attention to detail. Items related to this subscale include the statements “You plan your activities carefully” and “You plan your trips well in advance”.
A further subscale focuses on motor impulsivity or the tendency to act on the spur of the moment without thinking. Respondents with this tendency will score high on items such as “I find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time” and “I do things without thinking.” “I buy things on impulse” is another item on Barratt’s Impulsiveness Scale that is related to this subscale.
The final subscale measures attentional impulsivity or the ability to focus on the task at hand. This subscale addresses the respondent’s future-oriented thinking and coping skills. Items related to this subscale include “I have racing thoughts” and “I like to think about complex problems.”
Individuals with impulse control disorders exhibit an inability to control themselves in a variety of situations. Pyromania, kleptomania and pathological gambling are three prominent examples. An individual without adequate impulse control may also experience violent and aggressive outburst episodes resulting in bodily and material harm. Treatment depends on how the impulse control disorder manifests itself.
The Barratt Impulsivity Scale is widely available and frequently used by mental health professionals and researchers. As a self-assessment, anyone can answer the questionnaire at any time. It can be purchased commercially and is also available online with the scoring model.
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