You can always press Enter⏎ to continue

Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)

This 30-question screening tool measures an individual's tendency to act impulsively, including characteristics like lack of self-control, quick decision-making, and difficulty planning ahead. In addition to a Total Impulsiveness Score, the screener provides 6 subscale scores that highlight different ways impulsivity may show up.
  • 1
    Press
    Enter
  • 2
    So we know you're not a bot! 🤖
    Press
    Enter
  • 3

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Approximate time: 10 minutes to respond to 30 questions.

    • Please read each statement and mark the number that best describes how
      frequently the statement applies to you. Try to answer each question as honestly and quickly as possible.

    • All responses are confidential.
    Press
    Enter
  • 4
    Press
    Enter
  • 5
    Press
    Enter
  • 6
    Press
    Enter
  • 7
    Press
    Enter
  • 8
    Press
    Enter
  • 9
    Press
    Enter
  • 10
    Press
    Enter
  • 11
    Press
    Enter
  • 12
    Press
    Enter
  • 13
    Press
    Enter
  • 14
    Press
    Enter
  • 15
    Press
    Enter
  • 16
    Press
    Enter
  • 17
    Press
    Enter
  • 18
    Press
    Enter
  • 19
    Press
    Enter
  • 20
    Press
    Enter
  • 21
    Press
    Enter
  • 22
    Press
    Enter
  • 23
    Press
    Enter
  • 24
    Press
    Enter
  • 25
    Press
    Enter
  • 26
    Press
    Enter
  • 27
    Press
    Enter
  • 28
    Press
    Enter
  • 29
    Press
    Enter
  • 30
    Press
    Enter
  • 31
    Press
    Enter
  • 32
    Press
    Enter
  • 33
    Press
    Enter
  • 34

    Your Score is:      {totalScore143}

     

    Total scores of 72 or above = highly impulsive
    Total scores between 52 and 71 = within normal limits for impulsiveness

     

    Click "next" for an interpretation of your score.

    Press
    Enter
  • 35
    Click Next to see detail interpretation of your score.
    Press
    Enter
  • 36
    Click Next to see detail interpretation of your score.
    Press
    Enter
  • 37
    Click Next to see detail interpretation of your score.
    Press
    Enter
  • 38
    Click Next to see detail interpretation of your score.
    Press
    Enter
  • 39
    Click Next to see detail interpretation of your score.
    Press
    Enter
  • 40
    Click Next to see detail interpretation of your score.
    Press
    Enter
  • 41
    Click Next to see detail interpretation of your score.
    Press
    Enter
  • 42

    Understanding Average Scores (52-71)

    Your score is {totalScore143}, which falls into the average score range (52-71) for impulsiveness on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).

    Score Breakdown

    0-51: Low impulsivity

    52-71: Average impulsivity

    72 and above: High impulsivity

    The BIS-11 measures impulsivity based on several different factors, including attention, motor, self-control, cognitive complexity, perseverance, and cognitive instability impulsiveness.

    Your Score Suggests:

    • An average level of impulsivity, meaning you likely exhibit a balanced approach to decision-making and impulse control in most situations.

    • You may act impulsively at times, but you also have the ability to think things through when necessary, allowing you to strike a reasonable balance between caution and spontaneity.

    • This balanced level of impulsivity suggests that you’re adaptable, with the ability to engage in both spontaneous actions and more careful decision-making depending on the context.

    When Average Impulsivity Is a Strength

    An average score on the BIS-11 suggests that you likely have a healthy level of impulsivity that can serve you well in many areas, including:

    • Balanced decision-making: You have the ability to act quickly when needed, but you also know when to pause and consider your options, helping you avoid both inaction and rash decisions.

    • Adaptability: Your ability to navigate both planned and spontaneous situations makes you versatile in a variety of contexts, whether you need to respond to changes or stick to a long-term strategy.

    • Social interactions: Your level of impulsivity might allow you to engage in lively, dynamic interactions, while still keeping control of your behavior and responding thoughtfully when necessary.

    Next Steps

    If you sometimes find yourself acting on impulse or struggle to slow down and think things through, there are strategies that can help you fine-tune your decision-making process.

    Our team of specialists can work with you to develop techniques for managing moments of impulsivity, helping you make well-rounded decisions with confidence in both fast-paced and reflective situations.

    Press
    Enter
  • 43

    Understanding High Scores (72+)

    Your score is {totalScore143}, which falls into the high score range (72 and above) for impulsiveness on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).

    Score Breakdown

    0-51: Low impulsivity

    52-71: Average impulsivity

    72 and above: High impulsivity

    The BIS-11 measures impulsivity based on several different factors, including attention, motor, self-control, cognitive complexity, perseverance, and cognitive instability impulsiveness.

    Your Score Suggests:

    • A high level of impulsivity, meaning you may often find it challenging to resist urges or delay gratification in various situations.

    • You might act on your impulses more frequently than others, which can sometimes lead to quick, spontaneous decisions without fully considering the consequences.

    • You may experience bursts of energy or excitement that drive you to act quickly, but this can also occasionally lead to impulsive behaviors or regrets afterward.

    • You may find it hard to slow down or pause to think things through, often opting for action in the moment rather than taking a more deliberate approach.

    • Your heightened impulsivity can make you more prone to seeking novelty or excitement, but it can also result in difficulties with focus, completing tasks, or managing long-term plans.

    When High Impulsivity Is a Challenge

    High impulsivity on the BIS-11 suggests that you may face challenges in certain areas, including:

    • Decision-making: Quick, spontaneous choices can sometimes lead to regrettable outcomes, as the consequences of your actions may not always be fully considered in the moment.

    • Emotional regulation: You may find it difficult to control emotional reactions, potentially leading to outbursts or acting impulsively during moments of frustration or excitement.

    • Task completion: Impulsivity can make it hard to follow through on tasks that require sustained focus and attention, as you might quickly switch from one idea or activity to the next without completing what you started.

    • Interpersonal relationships: Acting without considering how others might feel or the impact of your actions could lead to misunderstandings or conflicts in your relationships.

    Next Steps

    If you find yourself acting impulsively or struggling to control spontaneous decisions, there are strategies that can help you develop more control over your impulses.

    Our team of specialists can work with you on techniques for managing impulsivity, helping you to balance your spontaneous nature with more thoughtful, intentional decision-making. 

     

    Press
    Enter
  • 44

    Understanding Low Scores (0-51)

    Your score is {totalScore143}, which falls into the low score range (0-51) for impulsiveness on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).

    Score Breakdown

    0-51: Low impulsivity

    52-71: Average impulsivity

    72 and above: High impulsivity

    The BIS-11 measures impulsivity based on several different factors, including attention, motor, self-control, cognitive complexity, perseverance, and cognitive instability impulsiveness.


    Your Score Suggests:

    • A low to moderate level of impulsivity, meaning you likely have a well-regulated ability to control your impulses in most situations.

    • You may tend to think through decisions carefully and take time before acting, which can help you avoid hasty or regretful actions.

    • You might experience a good balance of spontaneity and caution, making it easier for you to navigate everyday challenges with consideration and forethought.

    • Your tendency to pause before acting can lead to more deliberate and effective decision-making, and you may excel in situations requiring careful planning or problem-solving.

    • With a lower score in impulsivity, you may find it easier to stay focused on tasks, complete projects, and handle situations that require persistence and self-control.

    When Low Impulsivity Is a Strength

    Low impulsivity on the BIS-11 suggests that you likely have an advantage in several areas, including:

    • Decision-making: Your ability to weigh options before taking action helps prevent rash choices and encourages thoughtful, effective decisions.

    • Emotional regulation: You may find it easier to manage emotional reactions and avoid acting out of frustration, leading to more stable and balanced relationships.

    • Focus and persistence: With a calm and controlled approach, you may excel in tasks that require sustained attention and effort, whether in professional or personal contexts.

    Next Steps

    If you occasionally find yourself overthinking or second-guessing decisions, there are strategies you can try to improve your decision-making confidence and efficiency.

    Our team of specialists can help you fine-tune you manage impulsivity while still maintaining the careful consideration that is one of your strengths.

    Press
    Enter
  • 45

    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

    Your Score: {sub2}

    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

    Your Score: {sub3}

    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

    Your Score: {sub4}

    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

    Your Score: {sub5}

    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

    Your Score: {sub5270}

    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

    Your Score: {sub1}

    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.

    Press
    Enter
  • 46
    Press
    Enter
  • 47
    Please note: We can only send your scores to therapists within our group.
    Please Select
    • Please Select
    • Adela Stone
    • Amanda Buckman
    • Blaze Lazarony
    • Dan Chung
    • Danielle Grossman
    • Colleen Kahn
    • Harry Motro
    • Heather Emerson-Young
    • Jamison Haase
    • Inna Kuchmenko
    • Jenny Pan
    • Jennifer Terrell
    • Joseph Kaiser
    • Jory Wilson
    • Lea Choi
    • Leila Pirnia
    • Lisa Marie Anzaldua
    • Liz McClanahan
    • Malori Evans
    • Maring Higa
    • Megan Mance
    • Monica Attia
    • Nancy Rushing
    • Rachel Wheeler
    • Robin Greenblat
    • Shea Davis
    • Stephen Robertson
    • Tamala Takahashi
    • Whitney Schneider
    Press
    Enter
  • 48
    Press
    Enter
  • 49
    Press
    Enter
  • 50
    Press
    Enter
  • 51
    Press
    Enter
  • 52
    Press
    Enter
  • 53
    Press
    Enter
  • 54
    • Huge
    • Large
    • Normal
    • Small
    Ok
    quoteCreated with Sketch.
    Ok
    Press
    Enter
  • 55

    What's Next?

    You will be sent a copy of your scores if you've provided your email address.

    If you marked that you are interested in counseling services, our Client Care Coordinator will be in touch within 24 hours to connect you with one of our experts.

    Please feel free to reach out to our Client Care Coordinator, Cassie Clayton, if you have any questions in the meantime!

    Email : clientcare@newpathfamily.com

    Text or Call: (408) 475-2746

    Press
    Enter
  • Should be Empty:
Question Label
1 of 55See AllGo Back
close