The revision of behavioral activation/inhibition scales in military population and the examination of psychometric properties

Abstract

Objective To examine the adaptability of Carver and White’ s behavioral activation/inhibition scales (BIS/BAS Scales) in a large sample of Chinese military-man, and to revise the instrument and validate its factor structure. Methods A total of 2 921 Chinese military-men completed four subscales: one for the Behavioral Inhibition System, and three for the Behavioral Approach System (drive, reward responsiveness, fun seeking). Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.The internal consistency of the subscales and the complete scale were examined. Results The findings did not support Carver and White’s 4-factor structure which was validated in a sample of Chinese college students.A 3-factor structure (behavioral inhibition, reward responsiveness, drive) in Chinese military-man were extracted and validated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (KMO=0.87, CFI=0.94, RMSEA=0.06). The Cronbach α of behavioral inhibition, drive and reward responsiveness were 0.78, 0.71 and 0.67 respectively.The internal consistencies of behavioral inhibition and drive were higher than four-factor model of Chinese college students and the internal consistencies of drive and reward responsiveness were less than American young adults.Behavioral inhibition and drive positively predicted depressive symptoms (βBIS=0.332, βDrive=0.076, P<0.001), and reward responsiveness negatively predicted depressive symptoms (βRRS=-0.140, P<0.001). Conclusion The BIS/BAS Scales (revised Chinese military version) has acceptable reliability and validity, and can be utilized as a measurement tool for assessing the approach/avoidance motivation of Chinese servicemen. Key words: Behavioral Activation/inhibition Scale; Depression; Reinforcement sensitivity theory; Factor Analysis; Psychometrics