Impulsivity and Quality of Life in a Population with Problematic Alcohol Consumption

Introduction: problematic alcohol consumption represents a major public health challenge due to its detrimental effects on individuals’ physical, psychological, and social functioning. Within this context, impulsivity—conceptualized as a multidimensional psychological trait—has been associated with deficits in behavioral and emotional self-regulation, as well as with lower perceived overall well-being. Objective: to analyze the relationship between impulsivity dimensions and quality of life domains in individuals with problematic alcohol consumption attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups in Ecuador. Method: a non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational study with a quantitative approach was conducted. The sample consisted of 124 adults selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered. Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed using Spearman’s rho coefficient. Results: statistically significant negative associations were identified between attentional, motor, and non-planning impulsivity and the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains of quality of life. No statistically significant differences in impulsivity dimensions were observed according to sex. Discussion and conclusions: the findings demonstrate a consistent relationship between higher levels of impulsivity and lower perceived quality of life among individuals with problematic alcohol consumption who participate in community-based recovery processes. These results highlight the importance of considering impulsivity as a relevant psychological trait in the clinical and psychosocial assessment and intervention of addictive behaviors. Keywords: problematic alcohol consumption, impulsivity, quality of life, addictions.