Measuring impulsivity differently yields different answers: A three-level meta-analysis of associations between impulsivity and adolescent non-suicidal self-injury.
Hong Wang, Ji-Yu Xie, Keli Jia et al.
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In 30 seconds
This three-level random-effects meta-analysis examined associations between impulsivity and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents, synthesising 37 studies (N = 69,572). Impulsivity was associated with NSSI severity (d = 0.46) and was higher among adolescents with NSSI than controls (d = 0.37). Effect sizes varied significantly across specific measurement instruments, but the overall test comparing broader assessment modalities was nonsignificant. Self-report scales had a significant pooled estimate (d = 0.48), while neurocognitive tasks had a small, nonsignificant estimate (d = 0.11); these subgroup results do not establish a difference between modalities.
Key findings
- Impulsivity was associated with NSSI severity (d = 0.46) and was higher in adolescents with NSSI than controls (d = 0.37).
- Effect sizes differed significantly across specific impulsivity instruments after FDR correction; the omnibus test of broader assessment modalities was nonsignificant.
- Self-report scales yielded a significant pooled estimate (d = 0.48), whereas neurocognitive tasks yielded a small, nonsignificant estimate (d = 0.11).
- Negative urgency had a pooled estimate of d = 0.60, based on only four effect sizes.
Why it matters
The findings support impulsivity as a correlate of adolescent NSSI while showing that estimates depend in part on the instrument used. This measurement sensitivity matters when interpreting research or comparing assessments: different tools may capture distinct aspects of impulsivity. The results also caution against treating subgroup estimates as proof that one broad assessment modality is superior or more strongly associated with NSSI.
What to keep in mind
Several moderator estimates were based on few effect sizes, limiting their precision.