Impulsive Choice

An Impulsive Choice is a hasty choice based on a psychological impulse and with little consideration of the consequences.

• Context:
  • It can (often) be performed by an Impulsive Person.
  • It can be a Mindless Choice.
  • It can be a Foolish Choice.
  • …
• Example(s):
  • eating the marshmallow.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • a Considered Choice.
• See: Impulse (Psychology), Personal Goal, Facet (Psychology), ADHD, Substance Use Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Procrastination.

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References

2015

• http://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/thesaurus-category/american/not-showing-careful-thought-or-good-judgment
  • foolish: lacking good sense and judgment
  • shallow: not interested in serious ideas, strong feelings, or other important things
  • irresponsible: done or said without thinking of the possible results of your actions or words
  • mindless: mindless people do not think about what they are doing
  • impulsive: someone who is impulsive tends to do things without thinking about what will happen as a result
  • unthinking: used about something that you do without thinking that it might be wrong or stupid
  • impetuous: someone who is impetuous does things quickly without thinking about what will happen as a result
  • ill-considered: made or done without careful thought
  • undiscriminating: deciding what you like without thinking carefully about the value or qualities of different things
  • hasty: doing things in a hurry, without careful planning or thought
  • on autopilot: automatically, without thinking about what you are doing

2015

• (Wikipedia, 2015) ⇒ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/impulsivity Retrieved:2015-11-29.
  • Impulsivity (or impulsiveness) is a multifactorial construct that involves a tendency to act on a whim, displaying behavior characterized by little or no forethought, reflection, or consideration of the consequences. Impulsive actions are typically "poorly conceived, prematurely expressed, unduly risky, or inappropriate to the situation that often result in undesirable consequences," which imperil long-term goals and strategies for success. A functional variety of impulsivity has also been suggested, which involves action without much forethought in appropriate situations that can and does result in desirable consequences. “When such actions have positive outcomes, they tend not to be seen as signs of impulsivity, but as indicators of boldness, quickness, spontaneity, courageousness, or unconventionality" Thus, the construct of impulsivity includes at least two independent components: first, acting without an appropriate amount of deliberation, which may or may not be functional; and second, choosing short-term gains over long-term ones. Impulsivity is both a facet of personality and a major component of various disorders, including ADHD, substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Impulsiveness may also be a factor in procrastination. Abnormal patterns of impulsivity have also been noted instances of acquired brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurobiological findings suggest that there are specific brain regions involved in impulsive behavior, although different brain networks may contribute to different manifestations of impulsivity, and that genetics may play a role. Many actions contain both impulsive and compulsive features, but impulsivity and compulsivity are functionally distinct. Impulsivity and compulsivity are interrelated in that each exhibits a tendency to act prematurely or without considered thought and often include negative outcomes. Compulsivity may be on a continuum with compulsivity on one end and impulsivity on the other, but research has been contradictory on this point. Compulsivity occurs in response to a perceived risk or threat, impulsivity occurs in response to a perceived immediate gain or benefit, and, whereas compulsivity involves repetitive actions, impulsivity involves unplanned reactions.

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