Impulsivity, a trait often viewed with a negative connotation, has been the subject of extensive psychological research. But a recent study delves deeper into this complex behaviour, highlighting its multifaceted nature and its broader implications for mental and physical health.
The study explores two distinct types of impulsivity: emotion-related impulsivity (ERI) and non-emotion-related impulsivity (non-ERI). This differentiation is crucial, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of how impulsivity influences our lives. The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
ERI is impulsivity that occurs in the context of emotional states. It’s about the immediate, often unthought-out responses we exhibit when experiencing strong emotions, whether positive or negative. Non-ERI, on the other hand, refers to impulsive behaviour that’s not directly tied to emotional states. It includes tendencies like distractibility or lack of perseverance, which are not necessarily triggered by emotional reactions.
One of the key findings of the study is the strong link between ERI and internalising symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. The research suggests that individuals with higher levels of ERI are more likely to exhibit these internalising symptoms. This finding is significant as it underscores the importance of addressing emotional impulsivity in therapeutic settings, particularly for those struggling with mental health issues.
Non-ERI, while also associated with mental health, shows a different pattern. The study notes its smaller but still significant link to internalising symptoms, indicating that non-emotional impulsivity cannot be overlooked in understanding and treating mental health disorders.
The study also sheds light on the relationship between impulsivity and alcohol use. It finds that ERI, particularly the “feelings trigger action” aspect, is positively associated with increased alcohol use behaviour. This suggests that individuals who act impulsively in response to their emotions might be more inclined to use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Moving beyond mental health, the study also examines the relationship between impulsivity and physical health parameters. Here, the findings are intriguing. Poor sleep quality, for instance, is related to all three impulsivity factors, suggesting a bidirectional relationship where impulsivity can lead to poor sleep and vice versa.
Physical activity shows a negative relation to the pervasive influence of feelings and a lack of follow-through, two components of impulsivity. This implies that higher levels of physical activity might be beneficial for managing certain types of impulsive behaviour.
The study’s findings have significant implications. For practitioners, it highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to address specific types of impulsivity. For individuals, it underscores the need for self-awareness regarding impulsive behaviours and their broader implications for mental and physical health.
The study also opens avenues for future research, particularly in exploring the effectiveness of targeted interventions in managing different types of impulsivity and their associated health outcomes.
