Can ‘risky’ impulsivity explain sex differences in aggression?

Impulsivity is a heterogeneous concept and sex differences are most apparent on those inventories that sample involvement in risky behaviours. However these instruments often fail to emphasise the ‘impulsive’ component of risky action. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to develop a 12-item scale of risky impulsivity. To examine its construct validity, the Zuckerman–Kuhlman impulsive sensation seeking scale was used. Self-reported aggression (physical and verbal) and angry behaviours (explosive and defusing) were also measured. Although risky impulsivity correlated with both of the two Z–K facets (Impulsivity and sensation seeking), it showed a stronger correlation than either of them with physical and verbal aggression. Sex differences in physical and verbal aggression were completely eliminated (and the sex difference in Explosive Anger was significantly decreased) when risky impulsivity was controlled. The risky impulsivity instrument appears very suitable for examining that form of impulsivity most relevant to aggression.