The Impulsive Sensation Seeking (ImpSS): Psychometric properties and predictive validity regarding substance use with Spanish adolescents

a r t i c l e i n f o The study of impulsivity and sensation seeking in adolescence is crucial given its implication in multiple risk behaviors. The present study aims to analyze the reliability and factorial structure of the Impulsive Sensation Seeking (ImpSS) scale with a big sample of adolescents from the general population, calculating the convergent validity with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11-A) and its predictive validity with the use of tobacco, alcohol , and cannabis, as well as intoxication episodes, binge drinking and problem drinking. A total of 1321 students participated in the study (mean age: 12.98 years old; 55.3% male). Results indicated that the ImpSS has high reliability (α = .83), as well as predictive validity regarding tobacco, cannabis and excessive alcohol use. No significant gender differences were found in the final ImpSS scores in our sample. Factorial analyses determined that a two-factor structure is the most adequate. Nevertheless, high correlation between subscales (.69) suggests an important second-order factor of Impulsive Sensation Seeking. Our results indicate that the ImpSS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess impulsive sensation seeking in adolescents, and it shows good predictive validity regarding substance use. Discussion of implications for the study of impulsivity and sensation seeking in adolescents is provided. If there is a period in life typically associated with sensation seeking (SS), that is adolescence. Zuckerman (1979) hypothesized that sensation seeking increases from early childhood and peaks during adolescence , decreasing thereafter until the older ages. Accordingly, some recent studies have reported a significant increase in SS during early Zuckerman described SS as " a trait defined by the seeking of varied, novel, complex and intense sensations and experiences, and the willingness to take physical, social, legal and financial risks for the sake of such experience " (Zuckerman, 1994, p. 27). According to the notion of Optimum Level of Stimulation (OSL), each individual has a specific level of stimulation they feel most comfortable with. At this OSL, psychological pleasantness would be highest, and therefore if individuals fall below (or over) their optimum threshold, they will seek (or avoid) new stimulation in the environment (Zuckerman, 1994). In order to seek new stimulation, individuals would display different exploratory behaviors, which include risk taking and variety seeking. Behavioral studies have confirmed that risk judgements of sensation seekers are biased toward the low end enabling them to take greater risks such …