Impulsivity: From Theoretical Constructs To Applied Interventions

Abstract

Studies about the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of impulsive children are reviewed and summarized from the viewpoint of their application to school settings. Research has indicated that impulsive children often display such characteristics as global search-and-scan strategies, poor selective attention, low anxiety over errors, aggressive social behavior, immaturity of moral reasoning, externalized behavior problems, and deficient reading skills. Impulsivity has typically been assessed with visual discrimination tests and behavioral ratings by teachers. Treatment of impulsivity has included cognitive training such as modeling and self-instructional training, and behavioral methods such as positive reinforcement and response cost. Specific recommendations about the assessment and treatment of impulsivity in school are emphasized.