Impulsivity Test

Do you have difficulty knowing when to stop – or how to stop? You might find it hard might to stop partying, stop drinking, stop spending, or just stop after the first few Tim Tams. Or it might be a more serious problem where you just can’t stop putting it all on black, or move away from the pokies machine. Do you seek the critical skills of knowing the right time to call a halt to experiences and having the self-control to stop yourself?

Has your impulsive behaviour led to negative consequences? As a result of your impulsive behaviour have you experienced episodes of procrastination, impulsive eating, overspending, gambling, losing your temper, binge drinking, or troubling situations that affected your performance at work, your health or your relationship?

Do you ever behave impulsively and then regret the consequences of your behaviour? Have you accumulated debts from spending splurges, been overloaded with unusable stuff because of purchases you didn’t need to make, or ended valued relationships with an argument because of your impulsive choices?

Do you prefer to act spontaneously (in the spur of the moment) rather than plan well in advance? Do you engaged in preferred activities now and less desired activities later, even if it is to your disadvantage? You might fool yourself by saying, ‘I will start my diet tomorrow’, or ‘I might as well go all the way tonight as I don’t often drink’, or ‘I might as well eat up the pie, even though I’m not that hungry’. You might incur penalties and make your life harder by choosing to binge watch a mini-series on Netflix or Stan instead of doing your assignment. Do you often tell yourself: ‘You only live once’ or ‘I just don’t want the fun to stop’?

Have you tried to give up an unhealthy habit but then failed? Habits that can harm include texting, sexting, gambling, smoking, addictions, misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Do you also find it hard to stay consistent with your healthy habits, such as trying to exercise, to eat healthier or practise relaxation and meditation?

Do you find it difficult to tolerate challenging emotions, happy or sad? You might have problems with both exciting emotions as well as sad and negative emotions. Do you tend to ‘comfort eat’ when you feel bored, angry or sad? Do you drink too much when you are hyped up or over-excited? Do you experience road rage? Do you tend to spend excessively to make yourself feel better?

Do you find it difficult to tolerate boredom and frustration? If you are doing something difficult and encounter a problem will you struggle to persevere? Do you find it hard to keep on moving, keep your brain occupied and maintain contact with friends?

Do you seek exciting and thrilling experiences in your life? Do you need to feel alive, by seeking risky activities such as bungy jumping, racing cars or living on the edge?