On the impulsivity path: Examining the unique and conjoint relations between emotion‐ and non-emotion‐related impulsivity, internalizing symptoms, alcohol use, and physical health parameters

Background: Researchers have increasingly differentiated trait‐like tendencies towards impulsivity occurring during emotional states (emotion‐related impulsivity [ERI]) from impulsivity not tied to emotion (non‐ERI). Relative to non‐ERI, ERI has shown robust correlations with psychopathology and mild to moderate associations with physical health parameters (e.g., physical activity, poor sleep quality, body mass index [BMI]). Therefore, we first aimed to investigate the unique contributions of ERI and non‐ERI to psychopathology symptoms while controlling for neuroticism. Second, we sought to explore the combined associations of physical health parameters with several impulsivity forms.

Methods: German‐speaking adults (N = 350, 35.9 ± 14.6 years, 69.1% female, BMI: 24.0 ± 4.8 kg/m2, mostly students or employees) completed measures of impulsivity, psychopathology symptoms, neuroticism, and physical health. We gathered measures of two ERI forms: Feelings Trigger Action and Pervasive Influence of Feelings. As a control comparison, we gathered a measure of non‐ERI, the Lack of Follow‐Through scale. We conducted separate path models for Aims 1 and 2.

Results: For Aim 1, Pervasive Influence of Feelings showed strong links with internalizing symptoms. Feelings Trigger Action and Lack of Follow‐Through showed small links with alcohol use. For Aim 2, poor sleep quality was related to all three impulsivity factors, while physical activity was only related to Pervasive Influence of Feelings and Lack of Follow‐Through. BMI showed a curvilinear association with impulsivity.

Conclusions: ERI is more directly relevant than non‐ERI for psychopathology symptoms, emphasizing the need to differentiate between the two ERI types. The association of ERI and non‐ERI with physical activity and poor sleep quality may serve as potential treatment targets for impulsivity‐related problems.