A Meta Analysis of Impulsivity Related to Self-destructive Behavior in Korean Adolescents

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the results of a meta-analysis of impulsivity variables related to self-destructive behavior of South Korean adolescents. Methods: A meta-analysis was carried out according to the Cochrane guidelines criteria and the quality of the studies was evaluated using the JBI checklist. 2,333 studies were collected through the databases of RISS, KISS, and DBpia on ‘impulsivity’ published from 2000 to 2020. Self-destructive behavior-related variables were largely categorized into three areas (addiction, violence, and delinquency), and six subgroups. Results: Using the correlations with impulsivity in the final 53 papers, 231 self-destructive behavior-related variables were identified. The social delinquency showed the closest relationship with impulsivity (ES=0.34, 95% CI: 0.23~0.43, p<.001), followed by addictive behavior (ES=0.28, 95% CI: 0.24~0.32, p<.001), personal delinquency (ES=0.28, 95% CI: 0.23~0.32, p<.001), violence against others, violence against self, and substance addiction. These effects were identified as ranging from magnitudes of 0.23 to 0.27 based on the criteria of Cohen. Conclusion: To improve the reliability of the results of meta-analysis, more studies on the impulsivity of adolescents should be carried out so that the results can be accumulated, and the effectiveness can be examined in-depth later.