Impulsivity: A state as well as trait variable. Does mood awareness explain low correlations between trait and behavioural measures of impulsivity?

This report concerns a small scale study using a set of visual analogue scales designed to assess state impulsivity (the STIMP), a well established measure of trait impulsivity (the I7) and two behavioural tasks that have frequently been used as measures of impulsivity: circle tracing and time perception. As in previous research, trait impulsivity showed little if any correlation with performance on the behavioural tasks. However, self-ratings of impulsive mood state were associated with slower circle tracing. This suggests that people who become aware that they are likely to behave impulsively compensate by slowing down their responses. This could explain in part the low correlations found between trait and behavioural measures of impulsivity in this and previous studies. It is argued that this compensation may only be possible in situations of low temptation. Further research is needed to explore the role of mood, mood awareness and strategies of self-regulation in impulse control.