Cumulative Micro-Contextual Risk as a Predictor of Impulsivity Among Preteens: A Latent Change Score Analysis

Abstract

Impulsivity has been routinely linked to problematic outcomes, but less research has identified salient predictors of impulsivity. Guided by bioecological theory and using data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study (N = 11,876; 47.8% female; 52.1% White), we hypothesized that proximal processes associated with the individual (e.g., sleep), and within the family, school, and digital micro-contexts would prospectively predict the UPPS-P impulsivity facets in early adolescence. Results demonstrated that those with greater impulsivity at ages 9/10 showed the least amount of change in impulsivity over time. Nonetheless, each proximal process at ages 9/10 (poorer sleep, greater family conflict, poorer school engagement, and greater screentime) generally predicted increases in impulsivity at ages 11/12, though there were some differences by facet. Greater impulsivity at ages 9/10 generally predicted less robust increases in risky proximal processes at ages 11/12. Findings highlight avenues for targeted prevention/intervention to reduce impulsivity in early adolescence.