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Adolescent Impulsivity: Findings From a Community Sample

d'Acremont, Mathieu ; Linden, Martial

In: Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2005, vol. 34, no. 5, p. 427-435

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    Titre
    • Adolescent Impulsivity: Findings From a Community Sample
    Auteur
    • d'Acremont, Mathieu. Child and Adolescent Psychology Unit, University of Geneva, Bd. du Pont-d'Arve 40, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
    • Linden, Martial. Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit, University of Geneva, Switzerland
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Langue
    • Anglais
    Publié dans
    • Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2005, vol. 34, no. 5, p. 427-435. Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers
    Autre version électronique
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:321961
    Summary
    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