Levels and Latent Profiles of Impulsivity and Health Protective Behaviors: An Adult Lifespan Analysis

Background Impulsivity is a strong predictor of health behaviors, but less is known about how this link manifest for different age groups at the level of overarching trait, specific facets, and person-centered patterns of impulsivity. This study aimed to examine the association between levels and person-centered patterns of impulsivity with health protective behaviors and their age differences across adulthood. Methods Participants were 653 adults aged 18–90 in the Boston College COVID-19 Sleep and Well-Being study. Latent profile analyses were conducted to identify patterns of impulsivity in younger adults (18–39 years) and middle-aged to older adults (40 + years). The association between levels and profiles of impulsivity with protective behaviors and their age differences were analyzed. Results Age was associated with lower levels of overarching impulsivity and most facets, but more differentiated latent profiles of the traits were found for older individuals compared to their younger counterparts. Three latent profiles of impulsivity were identified for the younger group: low (54.29%), moderate (38.98%), and high impulsivity (6.73%). For the older group, a 4-class solution was reached: low impulsivity (34.23%), moderate impulsivity-high sensation seeking (17.57%), moderate impulsivity-high lack of perseverance (36.94%), and high impulsivity (11.26%). Across age groups and variable-based and person-centered analyses, higher impulsivity was associated with lower engagement in protective behaviors. Generally lower levels of impulsivity appeared to buffer the behavioral risks for sensation seekers. Conclusions Across the adult lifespan, individuals with higher impulsivity are at greater risk for lower engagement in health protective behaviors. Impulsivity traits should be a key target in public health messaging and interventions for adults of all ages for the promotion of health behaviors.