The Level of Impulsivity among Diverse Samples from the Kuwaiti Community in Light of Certain Variables

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Psychological Researcher, Family Development Department Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, State of Kuwai

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of impulsivity among diverse samples from the Kuwaiti community in light of various variables including nationality, gender, age, occupation, educational level, income level, health status, and marital status. The study sample consisted of 412 individuals selected through a non-random snowball sampling method. A descriptive survey methodology was employed, utilizing the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), revised by Patton et al. (1995), along with a questionnaire to assess other study variables. The results indicated statistically significant differences between the mean scores of Kuwaitis, Gulf nationals, and Arab expatriates on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, with levels of impulsivity found to be below the hypothesized mean. Additionally, significant differences were observed among Kuwaitis, Gulf nationals, and Arab expatriates in terms of attention deficits, lack of perseverance, attentional impulsivity, and motor impulsivity, favoring the Arab expatriates. Furthermore, significant differences were found in the overall scores on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and its dimensions (motor impulsivity, lack of self-control, and cognitive complexity) in favor of Gulf nationals. The most affected groups exhibiting impulsivity within the Kuwaiti sample included males, doctors, individuals with low income, those suffering from psychological disorders, and singles. In the overall study sample, the most affected groups were doctors, university professors, individuals with low income, those suffering from psychological disorders, and singles.

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