Effect of trait and state approach motivation on aggressive inclinations

Abstract

Research has suggested that individual differences in behavioral approach sensitivity (BAS) are related to state and trait anger [Carver, C. S. (2004). Negative affects deriving from the behavioral approach system. Emotion, 4, 3–22; Harmon-Jones, E. (2003a). Clarifying the emotive functions of asymmetrical frontal cortical activity. Psychophysiology, 40, 838–848; Harmon-Jones, E. (2003b). Anger and the behavioural approach system. Personality and Individual Differences, 35, 995–1005]. The present research sought to extend this past work by testing whether individual differences in BAS would relate to aggressive inclinations, particularly when approach motivation was situationally primed. Results supported predictions, and thus suggest, contrary to several perspectives (e.g., [Gray, J. A. (1990). Brain systems that mediate both emotion and cognition. Cognition & Emotion, 4(3), 269–288; Watson, D. (2000). Mood and temperament. New York: Guilford Press]), that BAS is involved in more than just positive emotional experiences and behaviors.