Main body

Cognitive Response ◽

National Elections ◽

Political Issues ◽

High Uncertainty

Recently, misinformation has increasingly impacted public discourse and public safety. From the COVID-19 pandemic to national elections, society is increasingly examining the negative impact of misinformation. Exposure to misinformation has been linked to conflicting perceptions of social, economic, and political issues, which leads to polarization, radicalization, and even acts of violence. While research has examined the development and spreading of misinformation, little has been done to examine the processes of being exposed to, and influenced by, misinformation. This paper uses Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory to examine the effect of individual differences in personality traits related to the behavioral inhibition system on the behavioral and cognitive response to exposure to misinformation online. Trait BIS was related to how much individuals positively engaged with misinformation, as well as intentions for activism and radicalism. These findings suggest that high uncertainty/anxiety may increase engagement with and influence by misinformation.

Fear and Anxiety in Social Setting

10.1027/1614-0001/a000251 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 61-75 ◽

Author(s):

Kristina Ranđelović ◽

Snežana Smederevac ◽

Petar Čolović ◽

Philip J. Corr

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Biases ◽

Theoretical Background ◽

Situational Factors ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Negative Events ◽

Free Recall Task ◽

Probability Of Occurrence ◽

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dispositional and situational factors on cognitive biases. The theoretical background was based on Kimbrel’s Mediated Model of Social Anxiety and the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory by Gray and McNaughton. Two experiments were conducted. Study 1 (78 participants [85.9% females, aged 19–21 years]) included the induction of potential social threat, while in Study 2 (121 participants [85.1% females, aged 19–23 years]) real threat was used. The Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire was employed as a measure of personality traits (Behavioral Inhibition System [BIS], Behavioral Approach System [BAS], Fight, Flight, and Freeze). Cognitive biases were assessed with the Dot Probe Task (attentional bias), Incidental Free Recall Task (memory bias), and Social Probability Cost Questionnaire (judgmental bias). The probability of occurrence of negative events was higher in the experimental group. BIS contributed positively to the prediction of probability of occurrence of negative events; and Freeze was positively related to attention bias toward pleasant stimuli. The results of the second study showed that experimentally induced circumstances of social threats did not affect cognitive biases. BIS and Freeze contributed positively to prediction of probability and distress in social context, while BIS was positively related with probability of occurrence of negative social events.

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

Personality and Individual Differences ◽

10.1016/j.paid.2020.110179 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 166 ◽

pp. 110179 ◽

Author(s):

Frances R. Chen

Keyword(s):

Antisocial Behavior ◽

Fear Conditioning ◽

Behavioral Inhibition ◽

System Function ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

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

10.1027/1614-0001/a000242 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (4) ◽

pp. 256-264 ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer Gerson ◽

Anke C. Plagnol ◽

Philip J. Corr

Keyword(s):

Social Comparison ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

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.

Problems of the defining the dimensions of the Gray's reinforcement sensitivity theory

Psihologija ◽

10.2298/psi0503311s ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 311-326 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Snezana Smederevac ◽

Dusanka Mitrovic

Keyword(s):

Big Five ◽

Behavioral Inhibition ◽

Sensation Seeking ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Psychometric Characteristics ◽

Factor Solution ◽

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.

Validation of the Measure of Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Constructs

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 ◽

Personality Questionnaire ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

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.

At Long Last – A Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Explanation of Procrastination

10.1027/1614-0001/a000296 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 234-241

Author(s):

Catherine Bennett ◽

Alison M. Bacon

Keyword(s):

Academic Procrastination ◽

Approach And Avoidance ◽

Avoidance Motivation ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

High Reward ◽

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.

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 ◽

Potential Conflict ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

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.

The Relationship of Cortical Activity and Personality in a Reinforced Go-Nogo Paradigm

10.1027/1614-0001.26.2.86 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 86-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Johannes Hewig ◽

Dirk Hagemann ◽

Jan Seifert ◽

Ewald Naumann ◽

Dieter Bartussek

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Activation ◽

Negative Reinforcement ◽

Cortical Activity ◽

Alpha Power ◽

Feedback Stimulus ◽

State Activity ◽

Relationship Of

Abstract. The reinforcement sensitivity theory proposes two biological systems for the regulation of emotion, motivation, and personality: the behavioral activation system (BAS), which responds to stimuli related to positive and negative reinforcement, and the behavioral inhibition system (BIS), which responds to conditioned stimuli of punishment and nonreward. Recent findings provided evidence for increased bilateral frontal cortical trait activity in high BAS subjects. We hypothesized that increased bilateral frontal cortical state activity might be found in high BAS subjects in response to stimuli related to positive and negative reinforcement. The cortical reaction of 38 subjects to a reinforced Go-Nogo task was analyzed. A trial consisted of three subsequent stimuli: a cue stimulus (indicating positive, negative, or no reinforcement), an imperative stimulus (Go or Nogo/Inhibition), and a feedback stimulus (success/failure). Alpha power was extracted as a measure of cortical activity. In addition, BAS and BIS were measured using questionnaires. There was an increased cortical activity in response to the cues for reinforcement. High BAS subjects showed an even higher bilateral frontal cortical activity in response to the cues for positive and negative reinforcement as compared to neutral trials. This finding further corroborates a relation of bilateral frontal cortical activity and the BAS, which has now been demonstrated for cortical trait and state activity.

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 ◽

Clinical Model ◽

Vulnerable Narcissism ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

Structural Relationships ◽

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.

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 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew T. Keough ◽

Roisin M. O'connor

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Inhibition ◽

Alcohol Misuse ◽

Heavy Drinking ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Interactive Effects ◽

Sensitivity Theory ◽

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.