Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)

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Click HERE to take test

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Take this screener if…

• You act without thinking and often regret your decisions later.

• You frequently speak out of turn or interrupt others unintentionally.

• You struggle to resist temptations or impulsive urges.

• You switch between tasks quickly, even mid-thought.
   

The BIS‑11 is a self-assessment designed to measure impulsivity, a personality trait that affects decision-making, emotional regulation, and behavioral control. This tool explores how quickly you tend to act without thinking, and how easily you're able to delay gratification or resist urges.

In addition to a Total Impulsiveness Score, the screener provides 6 subscale scores that highlight different ways impulsivity may show up.
 

30 Questions
 

Who It’s For:

Adults (18+) who want to explore how impulsivity may be affecting their decision-making, emotional control, or daily habits—especially those with ADHD, mood-related concerns, or impulse control difficulties.
 

Duration:

Approximately 7–10 minutes
 

What It Measures:
 

The BIS‑11 evaluates multiple aspects of impulsiveness, including:
 

• Attention Impulsivity – Difficulty focusing or staying mentally on-task

• Motor Impulsivity – Acting quickly without thinking

• Self-Control – Ability to plan and resist temptation

• Cognitive Instability – Tendency to shift thoughts or make scattered decisions

• Perseverance – Ability to stay with tasks or complete what you start

• Cognitive Complexity – Tendency to reflect before acting
   

These factors combine to give a snapshot of how controlled or reactive your behavior may be across various life situations.
 

Score Interpretation
 

Total Score Range: 0–120

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• 0–51: Low Impulsivity
  You likely have strong self-regulation and tend to think before acting. Your ability to delay gratification and weigh consequences may help you navigate complex situations with confidence and calm.
   

• 52–71: Average Impulsivity
  Your responses fall within the typical range. You may show spontaneous or impulsive tendencies at times, but these are generally balanced with thoughtful decision-making and control.
   

• 72 and Above: High Impulsivity
  You may struggle with acting on impulse or find it difficult to pause and reflect before making decisions. These traits can lead to challenges in areas like planning, follow-through, or emotional regulation, and may benefit from targeted support.

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Subscale Breakdown
 

🚨 Interpretation Caution
The score ranges that follow are heuristic guidelines, not clinically validated cut-offs. We created “low / moderate / high” bands to give you a rough feel for where you land. The cut-offs have not been tested for diagnostic accuracy and should never be used in isolation to diagnose, rule out, or label any condition.

 

1. Motor Impulsiveness

7–13: Low Motor Impulsiveness – You generally pause before acting and don’t feel the need to constantly move or “do something.”
14–20: Moderate Motor Impulsiveness – You sometimes act
spontaneously, especially in fast-moving or high-energy situations.
21–28: High Motor Impulsiveness– You may frequently act on impulse, fidget, or struggle to hold back physical urges to move or speak.

2. Self-Control

6–11: High Self-Control – You tend to think ahead, resist temptation, and stick to long-term plans even when it’s hard.
12–17: Moderate Self-Control – You show some ability to pause or plan, though it can be inconsistent under pressure.
18–24: Low Self-Control – You may often act without considering long-term consequences, struggle to delay gratification, or give in to immediate desires.

3. Cognitive Complexity

5–9: High Cognitive Complexity – You tend to think things through, enjoy mentally engaging tasks, and consider multiple perspectives.
10–15: Moderate Cognitive Complexity – You are sometimes reflective but may also prefer quick or simple decisions.
16–20: Low Cognitive Complexity – You may avoid deeper thinking, rely on snap judgments, or find complex reasoning mentally taxing.

4. Perseverance

4–7: High Perseverance – You’re able to stay focused and complete tasks even when they’re boring, repetitive, or difficult.
8–11: Moderate Perseverance – You can usually follow through, but may lose steam or shift gears when things drag on.
12–16: Low Perseverance – You may struggle to finish tasks, become easily distracted, or give up quickly when challenges arise.

5. Cognitive Instability

3–5: Low Impulsiveness – Your thoughts are generally stable and well-organized.
6–8: Moderate Impulsiveness – You sometimes experience racing or scattered thoughts, especially under stress.
9–12: High Impulsiveness – You may feel mentally restless or experience frequent, disruptive shifts in thinking.

6. Attention Impulsiveness

5–9: Low Attention Impulsiveness – You can focus your attention well and avoid distractions.
10–15: Moderate Attention Impulsiveness – You experience occasional lapses in attention or difficulty maintaining concentration.
16–20: High Attention Impulsiveness – You may often feel mentally scattered, easily bored, or unable to maintain attention on tasks.
 

💬 Support for Building Self‑Control and Awareness

If you scored low, your ability to pause, plan, and respond thoughtfully is likely a strength that supports your personal and professional well-being.
 

If you scored high, know that impulsivity isn’t a flaw—it’s a trait that often shows up alongside creativity, intensity, and drive. With the right tools and support, you can learn to channel your energy in ways that align with your goals and values.

👉 Ready to explore your emotional world with support? [Reach out through our contact form]—we’re here to help.