BIS/BAS as moderators in the relationship between stressful life events and depressive symptoms in adult community volunteers

Abstract

Abstract Background Stressful life events can elicit depressive symptoms, and biological traits like the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and the behavioral activation system (BAS) also influence depressive symptoms. However, the roles of BIS and BAS as moderators in the relationship between stressful life events and depressive symptoms are not well known. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of the interaction between BIS and BAS and stressful life events. Methods A total of 286 adult community volunteers in Japan were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Life Experiences Survey, and the BIS/BAS scales. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the role of BIS and BAS as moderators in the impact of stressful life events on depressive symptoms. Results There were significant negative interactions between negative stressful life events and BAS drive, fun seeking, reward responsiveness, and total scores on depressive symptoms. However, there was no significant interaction between negative stressful life events and BIS. Furthermore, the interaction between positive stressful life events and BIS and BAS did not have a significant impact on depressive symptoms. Limitations This cross-sectional study design cannot explain the causal linkages among variables. All the participants were adults; hence, our findings may not be applicable to children or adolescents. Conclusions The present study suggests that BAS moderates the influence of negative stressful life events on depressive symptoms. BAS may decrease the depressogenic effect of negative stressful life events. Addressing depressive symptoms associated with stressful negative life events, interventions targeting BAS may be useful.