UPPS-P
Also written as: UPPS-P — Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation seeking, Positive urgency
A multidimensional assessment tool measuring five personality pathways to impulsive behavior relevant to substance use.
Full Definition
The UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale is a comprehensive assessment instrument that measures five distinct facets of impulsivity: Urgency (positive and negative), lack of Premeditation, lack of Perseverance, Sensation seeking, and Positive urgency. Originally developed as the UPPS scale with four dimensions, the addition of positive urgency created the UPPS-P. This tool is particularly valuable in addiction treatment as different types of impulsivity may predict different substance use patterns and treatment responses. Understanding a client's specific impulsivity profile can inform personalized treatment approaches and relapse prevention strategies.
Usage
Usage note: Include the '-P' to distinguish from the original four-factor UPPS scale.
In Context
- "UPPS-P results showed elevated negative urgency and sensation seeking scores." — Psychological assessment
- "The UPPS-P profile will guide the selection of appropriate impulse control interventions." — Treatment planning