Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
Published on: March 17, 2019
Functional and dysfunctional impulsivity in childhood and adolescence
Sandra Cosi1, Fabia Morales-Vives, Josepa Canals
1Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Psicologia, Carretera de Vails S/N, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
Impulsivity self-report measures like the Dickman Impulsivity Inventory for Children (DII-c) are not appropriate for assessing childhood behavioral problems. Factorial structures and internal consistencies indicate these tools are unreliable for children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Impulsivity is linked to numerous behavioral issues in children and adolescents.
- Limited self-report measures exist specifically for childhood impulsivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the appropriateness of the Dickman Impulsivity Inventory for Children (DII-c) and the Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII) for measuring impulsivity in young populations.
- To assess the psychometric properties of these inventories for child and adolescent samples.
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis of the DII-c and DII.
- Assessment of internal consistencies for both inventories.
- Evaluation of self-report data from child and adolescent participants.
Main Results:
- The factorial structure of the DII-c was found to be inconsistent in child and adolescent samples.
- Internal consistencies for both the DII-c and DII were insufficient for these age groups.
- The measured dimensions of impulsivity did not demonstrate stability until adulthood.
Conclusions:
- The Dickman Impulsivity Inventory for Children (DII-c) and the Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII) are not suitable self-report measures for assessing impulsivity in children and adolescents.
- Further research is needed to develop reliable and valid impulsivity measures for pediatric populations.
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Conduct Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Borderline Personality Disorder
Genetic and Environmental Contributions
Borderline Personality...
Bullying

