A German Adaptation of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale: Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure

Abstract

Impulsivity occupies a prominent place in psychopathology, yet the precise nature of its implication in mental disorders is still poorly understood. This is partly due to inconsistencies among existing conceptualizations and measurements of impulsivity. In an attempt to overcome these inconsistencies, S. P. Whiteside and D. R. Lynam (2001) developed the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale, which distinguishes four facets of impulsivity: urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking. The present study examined the psychometric properties of a German adaptation of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale by administering it to a sample of psychology students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the responses of 310 native German speaking participants suggested a four-factor solution similar to that found in the original study. Results indicated that these four subscales possess very good internal consistency.