Research on the Polish short version of the Impulsive Behavior Scale UPPS-P

Introduction
Impulsivity is a multifaceted construct important for many forms of psychopathology. Lynam et al. (2006) developed a 59-item UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale measuring five aspects of impulsivity: negative and positive urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance and sensation seeking. The aim of the current research was to develop and validate the Polish short version of the tool.

Material and methods
The study was carried out with a 20-item SUPPS-P scale (short version of UPPS-P) in a sample of 522 people aged from 18 to 65, including 48 alcohol-dependent patients. The following validity indicators were used: Eysenck & Eysenck’s IVE, Gratz and Roemer’s DERS, Neuroticism Scale from Costa and McCrae’s NEO-PI-R, Tangney, Baumeister and Boone’s Self-control Scale, and scales measuring frequency of internalising and externalising problems and disorders.

Results
A statistical description of SUPPS-P was presented. Gender differences were demonstrated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out. Reliability was determined by internal consistency, items-total correlation and test-retest stability. The SUPPS-P correlates significantly with impulsiveness, venturesomeness, emotional dysregulation, neuroticism, self-control ability and frequency of internalising and externalising problems and disorders. Alcohol-dependent patients are significantly different in the results of the SUPPS-P from non-dependent persons.

Discussion
The five-factor structure of SUPPS-P was confirmed. More strongly than in previous studies, the relative separateness of the sensations seeking was shown, which as an aspect of impulsivity is significantly associated only with positive urgency and lack of premeditation. This aspect of impulsivity is mostly related to Eysenck & Eysenck’s venturesomeness. Hierarchical CFA has demonstrated the existence in impulsivity structure of comparatively independent but somehow interrelated higher-order factors: 1) emotion-based rash action, 2) lack of conscientiousness and 3) sensation seeking. The particular significance of negative urgency and lack of premeditation in explaining and predicting problem and disorder behaviours, including alcohol dependence, was proved. In the analysis of determinants and functions of impulsivity it is important for taking into account gender differences, as women get higher scores than men in negative urgency and lower in sensation seeking. The limitations of the study are discussed.

Conclusions
SUPPS-P, the short version of UPPS-P, is a reliable and validate tool for measuring personality aspects of impulsivity, which may be used in empirical research and clinical practice.