Behavioral Inhibition System function as the mediator in the pathway from electrodermal fear conditioning to antisocial behavior: Integrating the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory

Jeffrey Gray has modified Eysenck's system by rotating the dimensions of extraversion and neuroticism by 45 degrees, which resulted in two new dimensions: impulsivity (behavioral approach system) and anxiety (behavioral inhibition system). The main purpose of this study was to examine psychometric properties of the BIS/BAS scale, inventory for assessment of dimensions included in Gray's theory, in order to, also, test the foundation of the Gray's constructs themselves. 476 participants were included, age 17 to 77. All subjects completed The BIS/BAS scale (Carver & White, 1994) and The Big Five Inventory (BFI; John, Donahue & Kentle, 1991, according to: John & Srivastava, 1999). Analysis of the BIS/BAS scale failed to replicate the original four-factor solution. Three factors were extracted, named Behavioral inhibition system (BIS), BAS-Striving for excitement and BAS-Drive. Psychometric characteristics of the BIS/BAS scale are not satisfactory. Result of the joint factor analysis of dimensions of the BIS/BAS scale and dimensions of the BFI questionnaire are three factors named active striving for reward, sensation seeking and anxiety. In general results can be considered supportive rather to Eysenck than to Gray, but they could also be ascribed to the failure in questionnaire operationalisation of the constructs of Reinforcement sensitivity theory.

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Validation of the Measure of Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Constructs

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000121 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 12-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Snežana Smederevac ◽

Dušanka Mitrović ◽

Petar Čolović ◽

Željka Nikolašević

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Inhibition ◽

Internal Validity ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Personality Questionnaire ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽

Components Analysis

The paper presents validation of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), measuring the constructs of the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity theory (RST). The research was conducted on a sample of 565 participants, using three measures of the constructs of the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory – the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Approach System (BIS/BAS) scale, Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), and Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire. The results of confirmatory factor analysis suggest good internal validity of the RSQ, while the results of principal components analysis show that the RSQ scales are significantly related to other RST measures.

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Interactive Effects of the BIS and the BAS on Trajectories of Alcohol Misuse after University Graduation

Substance Abuse Research and Treatment ◽

10.4137/sart.s31434 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9s1 ◽

pp. SART.S31434 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Matthew T. Keough ◽

Roisin M. O'connor

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Inhibition ◽

Alcohol Misuse ◽

Heavy Drinking ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Interactive Effects ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽

Online Measures

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory predicts that those with a strong behavioral inhibition system (BIS) likely experience considerable anxiety and uncertainty during the transition out of university. Accordingly, they may continue to drink heavily to cope during this time (a period associated with normative reductions in heavy drinking), but only if they also have a strong behavioral approach system (BAS) to enhance the anxiolytic effects of drinking. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis. Participants completed online measures prior to and at 3-month intervals over the course of the year following graduation. As hypothesized, results showed that an elevated BIS predicted impeded maturing out, but only when the impulsivity facet of BAS was also elevated. In contrast, a strong BIS predicted rapid maturing out if BAS impulsivity was weak. Study findings advance our understanding of BIS-related alcohol misuse trajectories in young adulthood and provide direction for clinical interventions.

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Relation of Reinforcement Sensitivity on Vocational Interest and Self-Efficacy

Journal of Career Assessment ◽

10.1177/1069072717748956 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 230-245 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dustin F. Baker ◽

Lisa M. Larson ◽

Matthew T. Seipel

Keyword(s):

Self Efficacy ◽

Behavioral Inhibition ◽

Behavioral Activation ◽

Future Research ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Vocational Interest ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽

Enterprising Self

Using the constructs of the behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS), as defined by the reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality, the purpose of this study was to determine new linkages between personality traits and interest/self-efficacy across Holland’s hexagon. Specifically, it was proposed that (a) the BAS would positively relate to global liking of vocational interest and negatively relate to global disliking of interest; (b) the BAS would positively relate to enterprising interest and social/enterprising self-efficacy; and (c) the BIS would negatively relate to realistic interest and self-efficacy in a sample of 265 college students. The hypotheses were mostly supported. The BAS was found to be meaningfully positively related to (a) global liking of vocational activities, (b) enterprising interest, and (c) social and enterprising self-efficacy. The BIS was found to be meaningfully negatively related to realistic interest but not realistic self-efficacy. Limitations, implications, and future research are discussed.

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Dimensionality of the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure and Its Relationship to Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000242 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 256-264 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer Gerson ◽

Anke C. Plagnol ◽

Philip J. Corr

Keyword(s):

Social Comparison ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity

Abstract. The aims of this study were, first, to reassess the factor structure of the Iowa-Netherlands Social Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) and, second, to explore the associations of its factors with the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) of personality. Data from 337 respondents were collected via online questionnaire. Structural equation models were used to assess the factor structure of the INCOM and test for relationships with RST traits. The results confirmed previous findings that the INCOM contains two factors: Ability, which relates to the comparison of performance, and Opinion, which relates to the comparison of thoughts and emotions. The two-factor model was found to be superior to the commonly used one-factor solution. The models further revealed significant relationships with RST factors: positive associations between the Ability factor and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Behavioral Approach System (BAS) Reward Reactivity; positive associations between the Opinion factor and BAS Reward Reactivity and Goal-Drive Persistence, and a negative association with BAS Impulsivity. These findings indicate that using the INCOM as a single scale is likely to miss significant unique relationships. Our findings also provide new insight into how individual differences in personality may influence social comparison behavior.

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At Long Last – A Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Explanation of Procrastination

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000296 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 234-241

Author(s):

Catherine Bennett ◽

Alison M. Bacon

Keyword(s):

Academic Procrastination ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Approach And Avoidance ◽

Avoidance Motivation ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

High Reward ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽

Approach And Avoidance Motivation ◽

And Performance

Abstract. Procrastination can result in poor wellbeing and performance in academia and the workplace. The present study combined personality and motivational explanations by examining procrastination through the lens of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), which assumes that personality traits are underpinned by basic systems of approach and avoidance motivation. Students ( N = 336; Mage = 21.34) and non-students ( N = 187; Mage = 37.98) completed the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), measures of unintentional and general procrastination and, for students only, a measure of academic procrastination. In both samples, high impulsivity and high Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) activation was associated with reports of general procrastination. In students, high Reward Reactivity (RR) was additionally associated with Unintentional Procrastination (UP), while low Goal-drive Persistence was associated with all forms of procrastination. These data suggest a role for both approach and avoidance motivations in procrastination. Results are discussed in terms of RST and implications for intervention.

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Latent structure and construct validity of the reinforcement sensitivity questionnaire

Psihologija ◽

10.2298/psi0804555m ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 555-575

Author(s):

Dusanka Mitrovic ◽

Snezana Smederevac ◽

Petar Colovic

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Activation ◽

Three Dimensions ◽

Latent Structure ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Potential Conflict ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽

Best Fitting ◽

Fitting Model

The Revised reinforcement sensitivity theory contains three basic systems: Behavioral inhibition system (BAS), Behavioral activation system (BIS) and the Fight/ Flight/ Freeze (FFF) system. In this model, BIS is a system for detection of potential conflict or threat, and FFFS differs three basic patterns of reaction to actual or perceived danger. In Study 1, which was aimed at the examination of the latent structure of the RSQ, was conducted on a sample of 472 participants of both genders. The best - fitting model suggests that, at the top level of hierarchy, three dimensions exist, which are analogous to the BIS, BAS and FFF. The last dimension contains three subordinate dimensions, which represent the subsystems of the FFF. Study 2, in which 203 subjects participated, was aimed at examination of the relations between the dimensions of the Revised reinforcement sensitivity theory and dimensions of the PEN model. Confirmatory factor analyses of the RSQ and EPQ-R dimensions revealed that the best-fitting model comprised three latent dimensions, the first one being analogous to the BIS - Neuroticism, the second one to the BAS - Extraversion, and the third to the Aggressiveness- Psychoticism. The structure of the latent dimensions is in accordance with the expectations. The results state that fear and anxiety (which neurophysiological distinction is emphasized by Gray), are substantively similar on the behavioral level. Also, the results suggest that the Freeze dimension is probably closer to the BIS system than to the FFF.

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Structural Relationships Among the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism

Journal of Personality Disorders ◽

10.1521/pedi_2017_31_318 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 32 (5) ◽

pp. 654-667 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Christopher C. Spencer ◽

Joshua D. Foster ◽

Jeffrey S. Bedwell

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Clinical Model ◽

Vulnerable Narcissism ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Structural Relationships ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity

Research shows that grandiosity and vulnerability are distinct aspects of narcissism. The Contemporary Clinical Model (CCM) of narcissism suggests that individuals fluctuate between grandiose narcissism (GN) and vulnerable narcissism (VN). The authors examine the relative contributions of the Behavioral Approach System (BAS), the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), and the Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS) in the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality (r-RST) to GN and VN. Few studies examine the r-RST, and even fewer examine the VN and GN distinction. To remain consistent with the CCM, structural equation modeling was used to account for individuals’ relative levels of VN and GN. Across two independent samples (Ns = 854 and 258), results indicated that GN is associated with higher BAS scores and that VN is associated with higher BIS scores. Relations among GN, VN, and FFFS were inconsistent between samples. Implications of the r-RST results are interpreted within the context of the CCM.

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Emotional and Behavioral Responses to COVID-19

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000461 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 334-347

Author(s):

Alison M. Bacon ◽

Dino Krupić ◽

Nese Caki ◽

Philip J. Corr

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Factor Model ◽

Five Factor Model ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Personality Research ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity

Abstract. This review appraises evidence for the role of personality in COVID-19 related emotions and behaviors. Three key models of personality are considered: the Five-factor Model, HEXACO model, and Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST). In line with personality research, more generally, most studies focus on the Five-Factor model. Key findings are that neuroticism is most associated with poor mental health, and extraversion is associated with a reluctance to socially isolate. Conscientiousness predicts compliance with safety guidelines but also with fewer prosocial behaviors, particularly stockpiling. Research within the HEXACO framework largely confirms these findings, especially for emotionality and mental health. The additional HEXACO Honesty-Humility factor is found to be associated with prosocial views and abstention from panic buying. Studies based on the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of personality indicate emotional conflict as people wish to stay safe while maintaining a sense of normality. Behavioral compliance is driven by activation in the Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS; fear-related) and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS; anxiety-related). The Behavioral Approach System (BAS) is implicated in approach-driven behaviors such as avoiding infection. These findings have implications for health communications and post-pandemic support.

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The Impact of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory on Aggressive Behavior

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260520948144 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 088626052094814

Author(s):

Kristy-Elizabeth M. Parker ◽

Nicola Farrell ◽

Benjamin R. Walker

Keyword(s):

Personality Traits ◽

Reactive Aggression ◽

Social Dominance Orientation ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Behavioral Inhibition System ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory ◽

Proactive And Reactive Aggression ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Reinforcement Sensitivity ◽

The Impact

Why some people, and not others, exhibit aggression remains unknown. Research points to certain personality traits being linked to either proactive or reactive aggression, or both. The current study attempts to address these gaps from the perspective of revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST). Using 146 participants, results revealed Behavioral Approach System (BAS)-Impulsivity and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) predicted proactive and reactive aggression. Defensive Fight predicted reactive aggression. BAS-Impulsivity predicted proactive aggression partially mediated by Social Dominance Orientation. These findings suggest proactive and reactive aggression are motivated by a combination of anxiety and rapid, approach-motivational personality traits. This study provides further understanding of the specific relations between rRST and aggression, is integrated into the general aggression model, and has implications for treatment of aggressive individuals.

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