Impulsiveness and risk-taking behavior: Comparison of high-school and college students using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale

Matthew S. Stanford, Kevin W. Greve, Jill K. Boudreaux, Charles W. Mathias, Jennifer L. Brumbelow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

162 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the relationship of impulsiveness to risk-taking behaviors such as aggression, drug use, drunk driving and not wearing seatbelts among high-school and college students. The results of the study clearly demonstrate that high impulsives are involved in risk-taking behavior at a higher rate than low impulsive subjects. These findings suggest that high impulsive adolescents and young adults are at considerable risk of personal injury and present a potential source of injury to others. It is suggested that self-report questionnaires of impulsiveness might prove useful in the early identification of these high risk individuals. Once identified these individuals could be targeted for intensive educational interventions specifically designed to deal with their inability to delay gratification and general lack of impulse control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1073-1075
Number of pages3
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychology(all)

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