Archives of

1. Introduction
mpulsivity refers to a range of behaviors that
are less thought about and develop immaturely
to achieve a reward or pleasure. They are highrisk
behaviors and have significant unintended
consequences [1]. Impulsive behaviors, which
in some approaches are called risky behaviors, are actions
that, although to some extent associated with possible
harm or loss, also provide the possibility of achieving
some form of reward [2].
Three characteristics of impulsive behaviors include
choosing one option from two or more options with a
possible reward, associating one option with the possibility
of adverse consequences, and not knowing the
possibility of an adverse outcome at the time of the event
[2]. Impulsive behaviors involve a wide range of poor
thought-out actions that occur immaturely, rapidly, and
instantly without the ability to focus on a particular task
and in the absence of proper planning. They are highly
risky, too [3]. One of the variables that can predict impulsive
behavior in individuals is responsibility [4].
Responsibility is a personality trait that is usually
formed as an attitude in the psychological and behavioral
structure of the individual and is a major and fundamental
variable in social behaviors. Therefore, it has an interesting
place in teaching social behaviors [5]. Responsibility
in the individual and social dimensions is a concept
and an excellent tool to maintain social cohesion while
respecting and understanding existing differences. A human
being is an independent being and, at the same time,
a responsible being. That is, he enjoys as much power
and authority as he has been given, and he must act as
much as he takes responsibility. Responsible people have
a moral conscience and spontaneously and voluntarily do
their best to perform their tasks and duties [6].
In a study entitled “The Study of the Mediating Role
of Resilience in the Relationship between Personality
Traits and Religious Attitude”, it was shown that responsibility
has a negative and significant effect on a positive
attitude toward delinquency and impulsive behaviors
[7]. Another study entitled “The Meta-diagnostic and Diagnostic-
Dependent Role of the Five Major Personality
Factors in Adolescent High-Risk Behaviors” showed a
significant relationship between responsibility and highrisk
behaviors [8].
Resilience is another variable that can predict impulsive
behavior [9]. Resilience is the ability of a human
being to successfully overcome and adapt to adverse
conditions and achieve academic, emotional, and social
objectives despite facing problems [10].
A study entitled “Predicting High-Risk Behaviors
Based on Resilience and Spiritual Intelligence Among
Drug-Related Prisoners in Marvdasht Prison” showed
a significant relationship between resilience and highrisk
behaviors in prisoners [11, 12]. One study found a
significant relationship between resilience and high-risk
behaviors. To emphasize the present issue, we can argue
that impulsivity is the basis of many social problems and
psychological disorders, including substance abuse, personality
disorders, sexual restraint, delinquency, aggressive
behavior, and self-harm [1]. These individuals are
prone to high-risk sexual behaviors, impulsive behaviors,
poor executive function, high aggression, and inability
to cope with stress [13]. Impulsivity is of clinical importance
because it is associated with underlying diseases,
family, occupational and social problems, accidents, and
violence [14]. Research in this field can pave the way
for the emergence of preventive measures. The resulting
economic losses can be a burden on families as well as
organizations and centers. Of course, the emotional damage
caused by impulsive behaviors should not be forgotten
because it can have subsequent consequences such as
subsequent fractures, job problems, behavioral disorders,
and so on. According to what was said, the present study
seeks to find an answer to the question of whether impulsive
behavior based on responsibility and resilience is
predicted in the employees of Qom Municipality.
2. Materials and Methods
The present study was cross-sectional and applied and
was in the category of descriptive-correlational research.
In this study, responsibility and resilience were considered
predictor variables and impulsive behavior as the
criterion variable. The study population was all employees
of Qom Municipality in 2019-2020. According to the
nature of the research subject and the study population,
the available sampling method was used. Based on the
study population, the appropriate sample size was determined
at a significance level of 95% and a sampling error
of 5% using the Cochran formula. According to the Cochran
formula, 250 people was selected from a statistical
population of 3300 people working in the municipality
of Qom. In this study, the descriptive part of the data was
presented using frequency distribution tables, central and
dispersion indices. The data were analyzed using multivariate
regression analysis and Pearson correlation.
I
Amreh M & Gharamaleki S. Predicting Impulsive Behavior Based on Responsibility and Resilience in Employees. Arch Hyg Sci. 2021; 10(2):171-178.
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Data collection tools
Impulsivity questionnaire
Professor Ernst Barrett developed the Barrett impulsivity
questionnaire, the 11th edition in 2004. The Barrett
Impulsivity Scale correlates very well with the Eysenck
impulsivity questionnaire, and the structure of the questions
from both questionnaires indicates dimensions of
hasty decision-making and lack of foresight. This questionnaire
has 30 questions that include cognitive impulsivity,
motor impulsivity, and lack of planning. The items
that evaluate the three factors of this scale are cognitive
impulsivity, motor impulsivity, and lack of planning. The
questions of this questionnaire are scored on a 4-point
Likert scale, from 1 (none) to 4 (very high). The nonclinical
control group scores are within the 50-60 range.
Items 30 and 8 were removed due to their inconsistencies.
In this questionnaire, 11 items are scored in reverse. This
questionnaire has been standardized in different countries
and has had good reliability and validity in both clinical
and non-clinical groups. Validity and validity of the
Persian form of this questionnaire, which was conducted
by Ekhtiari et al. showed three factors: lack of planning
(9 items), motor impulsivity (10 items), and cognitive
impulsivity (5 items). The reliability of Barrett’s impulsivity
scale was determined by the internal consistency
method, and the Cronbach α coefficient was used for this
purpose. Based on the obtained results, the Cronbach α
coefficient was 0.81 for the first-factor questions, 0.67
for the second-factor questions, and 0.70 for the thirdfactor
questions. The retest reliability of the total score
was obtained 0.77 [2]. The reported Cronbach α for the
questionnaire mentioned in the present study is 0.965.
California psychological responsibility questionnaire
To measure responsibility, we used the responsibility
subscale taken from the California Psychology Inventory
(CPI). This scale is a 42-item questionnaire designed to
measure the responsiveness of normal individuals aged
12 years and older, and respondents will answer both yes
and no questions. The questionnaire was developed to
assess the characteristics of a stable interpersonal personality
in a normal society. Harrison Goff published his
first scale in 1948. Research on CPI validity is comparable
to research on other personality questionnaires. The
range of retest coefficients for each of the scales has been
reported from the median of 0.53 to the median of 0.80.
The internal consistency coefficients indicate that the
overall structure of the scales is appropriate and its validity
is appropriate for research purposes. Another study
used the split-half method, the Cronbach α, and Guttman,
to calculate the scale’s validity, and the obtained
values were 0.69, 0.79, and 0.69, respectively [15]. The
Cronbach α reported for the questionnaire mentioned in
the present study is 0.861.
Resilience questionnaire
Connor and Davidson developed the resilience questionnaire
in 2003. This scale has 25 5-option items
(never, rarely, sometimes, often, and always). On this
scale, a higher score indicates higher resilience. Connor
and Davidson evaluated the validity and reliability of the
scale using five experimental groups, including patients
with post-traumatic stress disorder, patients with generalized
anxiety disorder, outpatients with psychiatric
disorders, outpatients in primary care, and the diseasefree
group. Besides, scale sensitivity was achieved for
appropriate clinical groups. The results of factor analysis
also indicated the existence of five factors on the scale.
Mohammadi has adapted the Connor and Davidson resilience
scale for use in Iran. Samani, Jokar, and Sahragard
achieved the validity and reliability of the scale for
optimal student use. In addition, in Qamrani and Kajbaf
research, the validity and reliability of the Connor and
Davidson resilience scale for the use of Iranian adolescents
were found to be desirable. According to Mohammadi,
the Cronbach α method was used to determine the
resilience scale of Connor and Davidson, and the reliability
coefficient was 0.89. In Jokar›s study, the Cronbach
α of the Connor and Davidson questionnaire was
reported to be 0.93, and by factor analysis method, the
main components of the existence of a factor in this scale
were confirmed [16]. The reported Cronbach α value in
the present study is 0.791.
3. Results
In this study, 250 employees of Qom Municipality
were surveyed. A total of 29 women (11.6%) and 221
men (88.6%) participated in this study. Also, 71 samples
(28.4%) were under 30 years old, 104 (41.6%) between
30 and 40 years old, 38 (15.2%) between 40 and 50 years
old, and 37 (14.8%) over 50 years old. Besides, 34 samples
(13.6%) had a diploma, 57 (22.8%) associate degree,
79 (31.6%) a Bachelor’s degree, 77 (30.8%) a Master’s
degree, and 3 (1.2.2%) a doctorate. Examination of the
service history of the subjects showed that 48 people
(19.2%) had under 5 years of work experience, 96 people
(38.4%) 5 to 10 years, and 26 people (10.4) 15 to 20.
Amreh M & Gharamaleki S. Predicting Impulsive Behavior Based on Responsibility and Resilience in Employees. Arch Hyg Sci. 2021; 10(2):171-178.
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In the study of employees’ marital status, the findings
showed that 70 employees (28%) and 180(72%) were
married.
The main hypothesis was tested by multiple regression
analysis stepwise. To evaluate the predictability of
impulsive behavior by responsibility and resilience, a
multivariate regression test was used. Before performing
the calculations, the assumptions of this test must be
examined. The independence of the errors was checked
using the Durbin-Watson statistic, which was calculated
to be 1.54, which was between 1.5 and 2.5 and thus acceptable.
Distribution diagram
As seen in Figure 1, the relationship between predictor
variables and “impulsive behavior” is pretty linear.
Error expression normal
This hypothesis was investigated using a residual histogram.
As shown in Figure 2, the shape of the distribution is
almost normal. Also, the mean value presented on the
right side of the graph is minimal (close to zero), and the
standard deviation is close to 1. Therefore, there is no
reason to believe that these samples were obtained from
an abnormal distribution.
Residual is the difference between the observed and
the predicted model values of the dependent variable.
The residual of a variable is the error statement for that
variable. The residual histogram or P-P chart is used to
test the assumption that the error expression is normal.
The shape of the histogram almost follows the shape of
a normal curve. Also, the residuals in the P-P diagram
are a function of the 45-degree line and show that the
observed cumulative probability is the same as the expected
cumulative probability (Figure 3). The greater the
Figure 1. Distribution diagram of research variables
Responsibility
Responsibility
Resilience Impulsivity
Impulsivity Resilience
Figure 3 . Residues in figure P-P
Impulsivity
Amreh M & Gharamaleki S. Predicting Impulsive Behavior Based on Responsibility and Resilience in Employees. Arch Hyg Sci. 2021; 10(2):171-178.
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accumulation of points around the 45-degree line, the
more accurately the dependent variable can be predicted.
Based on Table 1, the predictor variables, i.e., responsibility
and resilience, have been included in the regression
model. As can be seen, the correlation between
“responsibility” and “impulsive behavior” is 0.629. In
other words, “responsibility” alone explains approximately
62.9% of the changes in employee “resilience”
(R=0.629). In the second model, when resilience enters
the equation, the value of R2 is added to 0.636, i.e., about
63.6% of the variable “impulsive behavior” is explained
by a linear relationship with the variables of “responsibility”
and “resilience” that the share of “resilience” is
approximately equal to 10%. The calculations related to
F statistic also showed that the regression model consisting
of responsibility and resilience could explain the
criterion variable (P=0.0001; 249 and df=2, F=218.6).
The subsequent output shows the analysis of the model
regression coefficients.
Based on the data in Table 2, the regression equation
can be written as follows: (Resilience) -0.105 (Responsibility)
-0.767 (Y) The state of impulsive behavior based
on the above regression model can be said: A decrease
of one unit in “responsibility and resilience” adds 0.767
and 0.105 units to the score of “impulsive behavior” of
employees, respectively.
4. Discussion
This study aimed to predict impulsive behavior based
on responsibility and resilience among Qom municipal
employees. The regression analysis results showed that
by decreasing one unit in “responsibility and resilience”
by 0.767 and 0.105 units, respectively, the score of “impulsive
behavior” of employees is increased. Also, the
results of Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative
and significant relationship (P<0.01, r=-0.793) between
responsibility and impulsive behavior and a negative
and significant relationship (P<0.01, r=-0.291) between
resilience and impulsive behavior. Testing the research
hypothesis showed that responsibility and resilience
could predict impulsive behavior in Qom municipal employees.
The present result is consistent with the results
of other studies [8, 12, 16-18]. To explain this finding,
we can argue that responsible people have characteristics
such as order, prudence, a tendency to progress, and selfcontrol.
People who score high on these factors show
less risky behaviors and more social success [17]. Also,
according to Goff theory, responsibility, reliability, acting
according to rules and regulations and believing that
reason must dominate life is a relatively stable interpersonal
and intrapersonal personality trait. Goff believes
that although responsibility is correlated with publicity
and self-control, it is essential to emphasize the values
and controls specific and vital factors in people’s lives. A
Figure 2 . Histogram diagram checking the assumption that the error expression is normal.
Impulsivity
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person who has a high sense of responsibility sacrifices
his needs for the needs of the community. Such people
accept the consequences of their behaviors and are trustworthy.
They feel committed to social structures, and although
they are not necessarily leaders, they are honest
and keep their word. According to Goff, anti-social people
are not responsible because they are not constantly
aware of their needs. However, people who have jobs
that require responsible and conscientious behavior are
responsible people. Goff believes that a person in charge
adheres to social, moral, and civic values [19].
To explain the relationship between resilience and impulsive
behavior, people with high resilience can cope
with stress because they strengthen their innate ability,
increase their resistance to impulsive behaviors [7]. Resilient
people are more inclined to use problem-based
coping strategies [5]. Another study [8] entitled “Study
of the Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship
Between Personality Traits and Religious Attitudes”
showed that responsibility has a negative and significant
effect on a positive attitude to delinquency and impulsive
behaviors. Another study entitled “Predicting High-Risk
Behaviors Based on Resilience and Spiritual Intelligence
Among Drug-Related Prisoners in Marvdasht Prison”
showed a significant relationship between resilience and
high-risk behaviors in prisoners. Also [12], in a study reported
a significant relationship between resilience and
high-risk behaviors.
One of the limitations of this research lies in the sample
selection. The sample of the present study comprised employees
of Qom Municipality, which makes it impossible
to generalize the results to other people and other places.
To improve the research results, other methods of data
collection such as interviews and observations should be
used, too. It is suggested that in future research, intervention
variables such as the effect of subcultures and social
and economic conditions be considered, too. We suggest
that future studies should recruit other age groups and
from other communities and social environments. In future
research, comparative and even experimental causal
studies, as well as longitudinal research, should be used.
5. Conclusion
The results of this study showed a negative and significant
relationship between responsibility and impulsive
behavior. Therefore, the more responsible people
are, their impulsive behavior will be negative. Also, by
examining resilience and impulsive behavior, the results
showed a negative and significant relationship between
resilience and impulsive behavior. Accordingly, the more
resilient employees express less impulsive behavior. According
to the obtained findings, the responsibility and
resilience in employees can be increased by rewarding
based on employee merit and avoiding the exercise of
taste in awarding and promoting and welcoming management
to constructive criticism and suggestions of
employees and providing a basis for freedom of action
for fair criticism as well as to increase resilience in municipal
employees can increase resilience skills including
spirituality, meaning in life, hope, optimism, moral
reasoning, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and emotional
management skills, through cognitive workshops
and resilience training in the formal and informal train-
Table 2. Responsibility and resilience coefficients in predicting impulsive behavior
Variables entered
in the model Model B SD Standardized Coefficients of Variables (Beta) t Sig.
Responsibility
Resilience
1. Width of origin
2. Variable coefficient
2. Variable coefficient
7.7
-1.32
0.115
3.48
0.068
0.043
-0.767
-0.105
2.21
-19.4
-2.67
0.028
0.000
0.008
Criterion variable: Impulsive behavior.
Table 1. Correlation model of variables and beta coefficients of regression analysis with stepwise method
Models Predictive Variables
Included in the Model
Correlation
Coefficient
Squared Correlation
Coefficient
Modified Correlation
ΔR² Significance
Level
1 Responsibility 0.793 0.629 0.627 0.627 0.0001
2 Responsibility 0.799 0.639 0.636 0.010 0.008
3 Resilience
Criterion variable: Impulsive behavior
Amreh M & Gharamaleki S. Predicting Impulsive Behavior Based on Responsibility and Resilience in Employees. Arch Hyg Sci. 2021; 10(2):171-178.
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ing of municipal employees of the city of Qom should
be included.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
All ethical principles are considered in this article. The participants
were informed about the purpose of the research and
its implementation stages. They were also assured about the
confidentiality of their information and were free to leave the
study whenever they wished, and if desired, the research results
would be available to them.
Funding
This article was extracted from the MA. thesis of the
first author at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of
Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh
Ardabili, Ardabili.
Authors' contributions
Both authors equally contributed to preparing this article.
Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
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