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Adolescent Impulsivity: Findings From a Community Sample

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Abstract

Impulsivity is central to several psychopathological states in adolescence. However, there is little consensus concerning the definition of impulsivity and its core dimensions. In response to this lack of consensus, Whiteside and Lynam (2001, Pers. Individ. Differ. 30, 669–689) have developed the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale, which is able to distinguish 4 dimensions of impulsivity in adults: Urgency, lack of Premeditation, lack of Perseverance, and Sensation seeking. The question arises of whether these 4 dimensions also exist in adolescents and also of whether gender differences can be observed. A sample of teenagers (314 girls and 314 boys) completed a French version of the scale (Van der Linden et al., Eur. J. Psychol. Assess., 2005). Based on exploratory and confirmatory analyses, the 4-factor model is replicated in girls, boys, and the whole sample. Concerning gender differences, girls have a higher score for Urgency and boys a higher score for Sensation seeking. Overall, this study suggests that the UPPS is a promising tool for studying impulsivity in adolescence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child and Adolescent Psychology Unit, University of Geneva, Bd. du Pont-d'Arve 40, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland

    Mathieu d'Acremont (Assistant)

  2. Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit, University of Geneva, Switzerland

    Martial Van der Linden (Professor)

Authors
  1. Mathieu d'Acremont
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  2. Martial Van der Linden
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Correspondence to Mathieu d'Acremont.

Additional information

Assistant, Child and Adolescent Psychology Unit, University of Geneva, Switzerland, PhD in preparation: Impulsivity, cognitive biases, cognitive deficits, and antisocial behavior in adolescence.

Received PhD in 1988 from the University of Liège, Belgium. Major research topics are cognitive biases and cognitive deficits in psychopathology, impulsivity and executive functions, memory deficits in amnesia and Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive rehabilitation in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

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d'Acremont, M., Linden, M.V.d. Adolescent Impulsivity: Findings From a Community Sample. J Youth Adolescence 34, 427–435 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-7260-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-7260-1

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