Background: Impulsivity is a multifaceted construct that has a prominent role in psychiatry. Lynam et al (2006) have developed the UPPS-P,
a 59-item scale measuring 5 impulsivity components: negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and
sensation seeking. The aim of the present study was to validate a short, 20-item French version of the UPPS-P.
Methods: Six hundred fifty participants filled out the short French UPPS-P. A subgroup of participants (n = 145) took part in a follow-up
study and completed the scale twice to determine test-retest stability; another subgroup (n = 105) was screened with other questionnaires
also to establish external validity.
Results: Confirmatory factor analyses supported a hierarchical model comprising 2 higher order factors of urgency (resulting from negative
urgency and positive urgency) and lack of conscientiousness (resulting from lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance) as well as a
separate factor of sensation seeking. The results indicated good internal consistency and test-retest stability. External validity was supported
by relationships with psychopathological symptoms.
Conclusion: The short French version of the UPPS-P therefore presents good psychometric properties and may be considered a promising
instrument for both research and clinical practice.