The Impulsive Sensation Seeking (ImpSS): Psychometric properties and predictive validity regarding substance use with Spanish adolescents

• The Spanish version of the ImpSS has good reliability (Cronbach's Alpha of .83).
• The ImpSS has good predictive validity regarding the use of different substances.
• Factorial analysis indicates that the ImpSS has two main factors.
• The ImpSS has good convergent validity with the BIS-11-A.

The study of impulsivity and sensation seeking in adolescence is crucial given its implication in multiple risk behaviors. The present study aims to analyze the reliability and factorial structure of the Impulsive Sensation Seeking (ImpSS) scale with a big sample of adolescents from the general population, calculating the convergent validity with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11-A) and its predictive validity with the use of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis, as well as intoxication episodes, binge drinking and problem drinking. A total of 1321 students participated in the study (mean age: 12.98 years old; 55.3% male). Results indicated that the ImpSS has high reliability (α = .83), as well as predictive validity regarding tobacco, cannabis and excessive alcohol use. No significant gender differences were found in the final ImpSS scores in our sample. Factorial analyses determined that a two-factor structure is the most adequate. Nevertheless, high correlation between subscales (.69) suggests an important second-order factor of Impulsive Sensation Seeking. Our results indicate that the ImpSS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess impulsive sensation seeking in adolescents, and it shows good predictive validity regarding substance use. Discussion of implications for the study of impulsivity and sensation seeking in adolescents is provided.