Impulsivity and its relationship to certain personality, demographic, and antecedent variables

Includes bibliographical references.The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between impulsivity and certain personality, demographic, and antecedent variables defined within the framework of Rotter's Social Learning Theory. Impulsivity is defined as a need potential within the framework of Social Learning Theory. It is conceptualized as a broad tendency to inhibit response in a wide variety of situations. The measure of impulsivity selected for the study reflects the various levels at which the concept is defined; e.g. neurological, psychoanalytic, learning, etc. Several mediators of impulsivity were defined and discussed within Social Learning Theory. These included internal-external control of reinforcement, future time perspective, and delay of gratification. The study consisted of two phases. Phase I included the administration of the Impulse Expression Scale and selection of subjects with low, medium, and high on this scale of impulsivity. Phase II consisted of obtaining the data related to personality, demographic, and antecedent variables selected for this study. The findings of the study indicate: 1) a positive relationship between impulsivity and other measures related to impulse inhibition, and 2) that males seem to be more impulsive than females.M.A. (Master of Arts