Factor Analysis of French Translation of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)

Abstract

Though the concept of impulsiveness is controversial, there are many attempts being made to measure this dimension. In this context, only psychometric measures are widely considered valid and are routinely in use. Barratt developed the first scale that specifically measured impulsiveness. Subsequently, various refinements have improved the validity of results. We have translated, without any significant problems, the tenth validated version of this scale (BIS 10) into French, and we have completed a factorial analysis. The scale was coupled with a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess anxiety. A sample of 280 subjects between the ages of 18 and 79 years (average age, 36.9) were recruited from the general population. Subject age was found to have a weak but nevertheless significant correlation with the impulsiveness rating. A principal component analysis (PCA) resulted in the first 9 factors explaining 55.6% of the variance. Another PCA of these factors allowed the identification of a second tier of 3 second order factors; these were closely related to Barratt's ranking. Our study confirms results from the scale's initial analysis--results which could not be subsequently reproduced. To our knowledge, this is the first French translation of an instrument that specifically measures impulsiveness and the first in which a factorial structure has been tested in the general population.