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Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)
Click HERE to take test
Take this screener if…
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You act without thinking and often regret your decisions later.
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You frequently speak out of turn or interrupt others unintentionally.
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You struggle to resist temptations or impulsive urges.
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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:
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Attention Impulsivity – Difficulty focusing or staying mentally on-task
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Motor Impulsivity – Acting quickly without thinking
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Self-Control – Ability to plan and resist temptation
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Cognitive Instability – Tendency to shift thoughts or make scattered decisions
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Perseverance – Ability to stay with tasks or complete what you start
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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: 30-120 (30 items scored from 1 to 4)
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30-51: 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.
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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.
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72-120: 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.
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.
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Attention Impulsiveness (5-20):
Low 5-9 · Moderate 10-15 · High 16-20
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Motor Impulsiveness (7-28):
Low 7-13 · Moderate 14-20 · High 21-28
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Self-Control (6-24):
High Self-Control 6-11 · Moderate Self-Control 12-17 · Low Self-Control 18-24 (higher scores mean LESS self-control)
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Cognitive Complexity (5-20):
High Cognitive Complexity 5-9 · Moderate 10-15 · Low Cognitive Complexity 16-20 (higher scores mean LESS reflection before acting)
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Perseverance (4-16):
High Perseverance 4-7 · Moderate 8-11 · Low Perseverance 12-16 (higher scores mean MORE difficulty staying with tasks)
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Cognitive Instability (3-12):
Low 3-5 · Moderate 6-8 · High 9-12
💬 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.