Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)

The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) is a globally recognized, multidimensional self-report measure used to assess trait impulsivity in adult populations.

Questions: 30
Duration: 10 min
Original title: BIS-11 — Barratt Impulsiveness Scale
Adaptation: Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)
Authors: Patton, J.H., Stanford, M.S. & Barratt, E.S.
Created: 1995

The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) is a globally recognized, multidimensional self-report measure used to assess trait impulsivity in adult populations. Rather than treating impulsiveness as a single monolithic construct, the BIS-11 maps how rapid, unplanned reactions manifest across different functional domains. It offers a structured way to evaluate behaviors that frequently complicate psychological treatment.

By dividing impulsivity into attentional, motor, and non-planning components, this instrument allows clinicians to move beyond general observations of poor inhibition. It is highly valuable for understanding clients who struggle with emotional triggers, substance use, or an insufficient self-control schema. Administering the BIS-11 provides a reliable, repeatable baseline that anchors clinical conceptualization and guides targeted interventions.

Example result

Fictitious result, computed from a sample set of answers.

Overall score

73/ 120

A 30-item self-report questionnaire assessing impulsivity as a multidimensional personality trait in adults. It yields a total score and three second-order factor scores: attentional impulsiveness (attention and cognitive instability), motor impulsiveness (acting without thinking, lack of perseverance), and non-planning impulsiveness (lack of self-control and cognitive complexity/future orientation). Used in clinical settings (ADHD, addictions, personality disorders, suicidal behaviors, mood disorders, eating disorders) and in research.

30–51

Over-control or invalid responses

52–71

Within normal limits

72–120

High impulsivity

Recommended cut-off to classify an individual as highly impulsive.

généralemixed · general population · 17–45 years · United States · n = 1577 · 2009 · Stanford et al. (2009)

30120

M = 62.3 ± 10.3

généralemen · general population · men · 17–45 years · United States · n = 393 · 2009 · Stanford et al. (2009)

30120

M = 62.8 ± 9.2

généralewomen · general population · women · 17–45 years · United States · n = 1184 · 2009 · Stanford et al. (2009)

30120

M = 62.1 ± 10.6

cliniquemixed · pathology: ADHD · n = 50 · 2007 · Malloy-Diniz et al. (2009)

30120

M = 77.3 ± 10.8

cliniquemixed · pathology: Alcohol dependence · United States · n = 130 · 2004 · Bjork et al. (2004)

30120

M = 70.6 ± 11.7

Scoring

Sum (total score and subscale sums), total score ranging from 30 to 120, each item is scored on a 4-point scale (from 1 to 4).

Motor impulsiveness (motor + perseverance)

26/ 44

A second-order factor of impulsiveness comprising first-order factors of motor impulsiveness and perseverance.

items 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 30

1144

Attentional impulsiveness (attention + cognitive instability)

21/ 32

An inability to focus attention or concentrate, composed of attention and cognitive instability first-order factors.

items 5, 6, 9, 11, 20, 24, 26, 28

832

Non-planning impulsiveness (self-control + cognitive complexity)

26/ 44

A second-order factor of impulsiveness comprising first-order factors of self-control and cognitive complexity.

items 1, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 27, 29

1144

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What the test measures

The BIS-11 evaluates trait impulsivity by measuring three distinct behavioral and cognitive facets. It provides a nuanced understanding of how poor inhibition manifests in a client's daily life.

Attentional impulsiveness: The presence of racing thoughts, difficulty focusing, and a general vulnerability to attention capture.
Motor impulsiveness: The tendency to act on the spur of the moment, make rapid decisions, and act without thinking.
Non-planning impulsiveness: A lack of forethought or future orientation, reflecting low self-control and an avoidance of complex cognitive tasks.

It is validated for adult populations to profile the multidimensional nature of impulsive behaviors.

When and why to use it

Clinicians typically utilize the BIS-11 to assess impulse control during initial evaluations or when behavioral dysregulation becomes a primary treatment focus. It serves as an objective tool to clarify the specific nature of a client's dysregulation.

Intake baseline: To establish a multidimensional profile of impulsivity when a client first enters therapy.
Treatment planning: To determine whether an individual might benefit from specific emotional regulation protocols, such as DBT ACCEPTS distress tolerance skills or the REST distress tolerance skill.
Monitoring change: To track shifts in cognitive and motor control over the course of therapy, particularly as adaptive coping strategies evolve.
Differential support: To clarify whether impulsive behaviors stem from a lack of planning or an inability to sustain attention, which refines the clinical conceptualization.

A validated score offers objective dimensions to impulsivity that clinical observation alone might conflate.

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The questions

People differ in the ways they act and think in different situations. This is a questionnaire to measure some of the ways in which you act and think. Read each statement and select the answer that best describes you. Do not spend too much time on any statement. Answer quickly and honestly.
1. I plan my tasks carefully.
Assesses the client's tendency to organize and structure their activities in advance.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
2. I do things without thinking.
Evaluates the frequency of spontaneous actions executed without prior reflection.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
3. I make decisions quickly.
Probes the speed at which decisions are finalized.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
4. I am carefree.
Explores a carefree attitude that may correlate with impulsive tendencies.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
5. I don't pay attention.
Measures self-reported deficits in sustained focus or environmental awareness.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
6. My thoughts race.
Assesses cognitive instability characterized by rapid, overlapping trains of thought.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
7. I plan my trips far in advance.
Evaluates foresight and structured preparation for future events.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
8. I have self-control.
Probes the individual's perceived ability to inhibit urges and regulate their behavior.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
9. I concentrate easily.
Measures the subjective ease of maintaining focused attention.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
10. I save money regularly.
Assesses financial forethought and the ability to delay gratification.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
11. I have a hard time sitting still during a play or a lecture.
Evaluates physical restlessness in situations requiring sustained stillness.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
12. I think carefully.
Probes the degree of deliberation and methodical processing in cognitive tasks.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
13. I think about my job security.
Assesses long-term orientation regarding professional and financial stability.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
14. I say things without thinking.
Evaluates verbal impulsivity and the lack of a filter before speaking.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
15. I like to think about complex problems.
Measures the client's tolerance for and interest in cognitively demanding tasks.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
16. I change jobs often.
Probes behavioral instability related to occupational endurance.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
17. I act on a whim.
Assesses the direct self-identification with acting on sudden urges.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
18. I get bored easily when I have to solve problems in my head.
Evaluates the inability to sustain engagement in mentally challenging situations.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
19. I act on the spur of the moment.
Measures the frequency of sudden, unplanned behavioral responses.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
20. I am a steady thinker.
Probes cognitive consistency and the absence of erratic thought patterns.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
21. I move often.
Assesses environmental instability through frequent changes in living situations.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
22. I buy things on impulse.
Evaluates difficulties with behavioral inhibition in the context of consumer purchases.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
23. I can only think about one thing at a time.
Measures cognitive rigidity or the inability to multitask effectively.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
24. I often change my hobbies / interests.
Probes perseverance and the tendency to abandon personal interests rapidly.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
25. I spend or borrow more money than I earn.
Assesses behavioral dysregulation leading to negative financial consequences.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
26. I often have irrelevant thoughts when I'm thinking.
Evaluates vulnerability to cognitive distractions and intrusive thoughts.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
27. I am more interested in the present than in the future.
Probes temporal focus and a preference for immediate over delayed outcomes.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
28. I get restless at the theater or during lectures.
Assesses motor hyperactivity in formal, quiet environments.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
29. I like puzzles and riddles.
Measures the enjoyment of sustained, complex problem-solving.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always
30. I am future-oriented.
Evaluates the overarching cognitive tendency to consider long-term consequences.
- Rarely / Never
- Occasionally
- Often
- Almost always / Always