Reward Sensitivity, Punishment Sensitivity and weight status in children. Crosssectional and longitudinal associations.

Abstract

Understanding eating behavior is not possible without studying individual reward circuits. Reward Sensitivity (RS) and Punishment Sensitivity (PS) are psychological concepts reflecting sensitivity of the neurological Behavioral Approach (BAS) and Inhibition (BIS) Systems respectively (Gray, 1987). Under normal circumstances, BIS and BAS independently drive behavior, but in extreme cases, one overactive system suppresses the other (Corr, 2001, 2002; Vervoort, Wolters, Hogendoorn, de Haan, Boer, & Prins, 2010). While research provides evidence for the role of RS and PS in several behaviors and psychological problems, little is known about their implications for eating behavior and obesity. Cross-sectional studies in adults (Davis & Fox, 2008) and children (Verbeken, Braet, Lammertyn, Goossens & Moens, 2012) support a dynamic vulnerability model of the association between self-reported RS and bodyweight. We extend this research, by describing cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between RS and measured bodyweight and exploring the role of PS in the association between RS and bodyweight. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of RS and weight outcomes are tested by fitting quadratic regression models of RS on weight measures, controlling for gender and age effects. The cross-sectional associations are studied in a Flemish sample of 10–15 year olds, the longitudinal associations are studied in Dutch youngsters participating in the TRAILS study.