Patterns of impulsivity and inhibitory control in children: A parent-reported study

Abstract

Impulsive behavior and inhibitory control are essential aspects of childhood development, shaping children’s ability to manage their actions and emotions in social and learning environments. This paper examines these behaviors in a sample of 116 elementary school-aged children and explores the influence of gender and age on their expression. Data were collected through a parent-reported questionnaire that assessed 13 items of impulsivity and 12 items of inhibitory control. Descriptive analysis revealed that both impulsive tendencies and inhibitory control were generally stable across the sample, with most children exhibiting moderate levels of each. Minor gender differences were found in certain behaviors, such as “Rushing into activities” and “Having a hard time following directions,” although these differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, age-related variations did not show statistically significant differences in either indicators of impulsivity or inhibitory control. The contribution of this study lies in providing valuable insights into behavioral patterns and highlighting the need for further research into environmental factors that may influence children’s behavioral development, supporting the creation of targeted educational strategies.