Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, BIS-11

Test scores

Higher scores indicate greater impulsivity at the global and component levels.

• Impulsiveness – reflects a general tendency toward rapid, unplanned reactions to internal or external stimuli. Higher scores indicate reduced self-control, preference for immediate outcomes, and difficulty regulating behavior.

• Attentional Impulsivity – reflects difficulty maintaining focus and resisting intrusive thoughts. Higher scores indicate distractibility and problems sustaining attention.

• Motor Impulsivity – reflects acting without thinking. Higher scores indicate a tendency toward spontaneous, unplanned actions.

• Nonplanning Impulsivity – reflects a present-oriented style and limited consideration of future consequences. Higher scores indicate reduced foresight and lack of long-term planning.

• Attention – reflects ability to concentrate and maintain cognitive focus. Higher scores indicate poorer concentration and greater susceptibility to distraction.

• Cognitive Instability – reflects rapid shifts in thought and difficulty maintaining a stable line of thinking. Higher scores indicate racing thoughts and mental restlessness.

• Perseverance – reflects ability to stay on task and sustain effort. Higher scores indicate lower persistence and a tendency to abandon tasks prematurely.

• Self-Control – reflects capacity for restraint and deliberate regulation of behavior. Higher scores indicate reduced inhibitory control and greater impulsive responding.

• Cognitive Complexity – reflects preference for thoughtful, deliberate decision-making. Higher scores indicate a simpler, more immediate decision style with less consideration of alternatives.