Analysis

The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) is a self-report tool used to measure impulsivity. It consists of 30 questions, each evaluating different aspects of impulsive behavior, such as unplanned actions, a sense of immediacy, and lack of persistence. The responses are given on a 4-point Likert scale (rarely/never, occasionally, frequently, almost always/always). This tool was developed by Dr. Ernest Barratt and has undergone several revisions to improve its validity and reliability.

Purpose

The primary aim of the BIS-11 is to provide a reliable and valid method for measuring impulsivity across various populations. It is widely used in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and research to understand the relationship between impulsivity and various psychiatric disorders, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), personality disorders, addiction, and other behavioral disorders. Additionally, BIS-11 is used to assess the effectiveness of treatments aimed at reducing impulsivity.

Scoring

The scoring of BIS-11 is done by calculating the total score, which ranges from 30 to 120. The score is obtained by summing the responses to the 30 questions, with higher scores indicating greater impulsivity. The tool has three main subscales: non-planning impulsiveness, cognitive impulsiveness, and motor impulsiveness. Each subscale is scored separately, and the results can be used to understand specific aspects of a person’s impulsive behavior.

Key References

Patton‚ J. H.‚ Stanford‚ M. S.‚ & Barratt‚ E. S. (1995). Factor structure of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Journal of Clinical Psychology‚ 51(6): 768-774.
Luengo‚ M. A.‚ Carrillo-de-la-Pena‚ M. T.‚ & Otero‚ J. M. (1991). The components of impulsiveness: A comparison of the I7 impulsiveness questionnaire and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Personali’y and Individual Differences‚ 12:657-667.
Fossati‚ A.‚ Di Ceglie‚ A.‚ Acquarini‚ E.‚ & Barrat‚ E. S. (2001). Psychometric Properties of an Italian version of theBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) in nonclinicalsubjects. Journal of Clinical Psychology‚ 57(6): 815-828.
Miller.E.‚ 2003. The Measurement of Impulsivity. Coventry University‚ School of Health and Social Sciences and University of Warwick‚ Thesis (Ph. D.). http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/2900/
Miller‚ E.‚ Tudway‚ J.‚ & Watson‚ D. (2003). Investigating the Attentional-Fixity theory of impulsivity (Dickman‚ 1993‚1996) among a UK sexual offending sample. To be submitted to the Journal of Interpersonal Violence.