The relationship between self-report and lab task conceptualizations of impulsivity

Research has yet to examine the overlap among the different aspects of impulsivity that has been suggested by self-report and behavioral lab task measures. The aim of the current study is to conduct the first comprehensive empirical study including all previously identified aspects of impulsive action in order to examine the construct overlap of both lab task and self-report conceptualizations of impulsivity. Participants were 77 undergraduate students (54 female) in an introductory psychology course. Results suggest that self-report and behavioral lab tasks are assessing discrete aspects of impulsivity. The current study provides estimates of effect sizes and can inform future research hypotheses concerning the overlap between self-report and lab task impulsivity domains.

► We examine the overlap between behavioral and self-report concepts of impulsivity. ► Behavioral and self-report measures of impulsivity assess discrete aspects. ► There is little overlap in what is measured with these approaches.