Barratt Impulsiveness Scale

What it measures

The most widely used self-report measure of impulsivity in experimental and clinical research. Covers attentional, motor, and non-planning facets. Used extensively in ADHD, substance use, and borderline personality disorder research.

Response format

4-point frequency (1=rarely/never to 4=almost always/always)

Representative items

• I plan tasks carefully. (R, Non-planning)
• I do things without thinking. (Motor)
• I am restless at lectures or talks. (Attentional)
• I act on the spur of the moment. (Motor)
• I say things without thinking. (Motor)

This is a licensed instrument — representative items are shown for reference only. Obtain the original scale materials from the publisher before use in research.

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Total score is standard; subscales available if theoretically relevant. Validated in clinical and non-clinical adult samples. BIS-15 short form available (Spinella, 2007).

Recommended companion scales

Citation

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.

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