Trans-diagnostic measurement of impulsivity and compulsivity: A review of self-report tools. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hook, Roxanne W; Grant, Jon E; Ioannidis, Konstantinos; Tiego, Jeggan; Yücel, Murat; Wilkinson, Paul; Chamberlain, Samuel R
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 120(2021)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 469
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Impulsivity -- Compulsivity -- Trans-diagnostic -- Transdiagnostic -- Phenotype -- Questionnaire -- Self-report -- Review; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Highlights: Self-report scales vary considerably in validation, reliability and structure. Multidimensionality accounted for by some scales. Scales differ in measuring traits or symptoms. Compulsivity is relatively under-researched as a trait. Abstract: Introduction: Impulsivity and compulsivity are important constructs, relevant to understanding behaviour in the general population, as well as in particular mental disorders (e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder). The current paper provides a narrative review of self-report impulsivity and compulsivity scales. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the following terms: ("impulsivity" OR "compulsivity") AND ("self-report" OR "questionnaire" OR "psychometric" OR "scale"). Results: 25 impulsive and 11 compulsive scales were identified, which varied considerably in psychometric properties, convenience, and validity. For impulsivity, the most commonly used scales were the BIS and the UPPS-P, whilst for compulsivity, the Padua Inventory was commonly used. The majority of compulsivity scales measured OCD symptoms (obsessions and compulsions) rather than being trans-diagnostic or specific to compulsivity (as opposed to obsessions). Scales capable of overcoming these limitations were highlighted. Discussion: This review provides clarity regarding relative advantages and disadvantages of different scales relevant to the measurement of impulsivity and compulsivity in many contexts. Areas for further research and refinement are highlighted.