Behavioral Approach System Research Articles

Reaction to norm transgressions and Islamization threat in culturally tight and loose contexts: a cross-cultural comparison of Germany versus Russia

Prior research shows that North Americans and Western Europeans react to threats with defensive strategies based on behavioral approach vs. inhibition systems (BAS/BIS)—i.e., a desire to approach a goal or to avoid a threat. In the present research, we explored whether this phenomenon is more pronounced in tight cultures (e.g., Germany) as compared to loose cultures (e.g., Russia), testing how Germans and Russians respond to societal threats. We expected that due to the higher levels of cultural tightness, Germans would show stronger defensive reactions to threats than Russians. Additionally, we investigated the role of need for tightness (i.e., need for strict regulation of social order) in threat management processes. In Study 1, Germans recalling violations of societal norms produced stronger rightward bias on the line bisection task than Russians, indicative of greater BAS activation in Germans than in Russians. In Study 2, we used frontal alpha asymmetry, providing the first cross-cultural test of BIS-BAS reactions utilizing neuronal markers. In this study, presentation of societal threat in a video portraying Islamic immigration as a large-scale violation of social norms led to higher BIS activation among Germans than among Russians, if their need for tightness was high. We discuss the role of tightness, need for tightness, and type of threat for cross-cultural particularities of threat-induced motivational shifts.

A Dynamical Bifurcation Model of Bipolar Disorder Based on Learned Expectation and Asymmetry in Mood Sensitivity.

Bipolar disorder is a common psychiatric dysfunction characterized by recurring episodes of mania and depression. Despite its prevalence, the causes and mechanisms of bipolar disorder remain largely unknown. Recently, theories focusing on the interaction between emotion and behavior, including those based on dysregulation of the so-called behavioral approach system (BAS), have gained popularity. Mathematical models built on this principle predict bistability in mood and do not invoke intrinsic biological rhythms that may arise from interactions between mood and expectation. Here we develop and analyze a model with clinically meaningful and modifiable parameters that incorporates the interaction between mood and expectation. Our nonlinear model exhibits a transition to limit cycle behavior when a mood-sensitivity parameter exceeds a threshold value, signaling a transition to a bipolar state. The model also predicts that asymmetry in response to positive and negative events can induce unipolar depression/mania, consistent with clinical observations. We analyze the model with asymmetric mood sensitivities and show that large unidirectional mood sensitivity can lead to bipolar disorder. Finally, we show how observed effects of lithium- and antidepressant-induced mania can be explained within the framework of our proposed model.

The contribution of caregiving orientations to volunteering‐related motives, costs, and benefits

In four studies, a behavioral system approach was adopted to understand prosocial behavior, and the contribution of caregiving orientations (hyperactivation, deactivation) to various aspects of volunteerism was examined. In Studies 1 and 2, conducted in Italy, engagement in volunteer activities and motives for volunteering were assessed. In Studies 3 and 4, conducted in Israel, compassion fatigue and changes in life satisfaction and meaning following sustained volunteer service were assessed. Caregiving deactivation was associated with less engagement in volunteer activities and more compassion fatigue. Caregiving hyperactivation was also associated with compassion fatigue but was accompanied by heightened engagement and motivation for volunteering, as well as volunteering‐related increases in life satisfaction and meaning. The findings were discussed from a behavioral system perspective.

The influence of reward sensitivity, heart rate dynamics and EEG-delta activity on placebo analgesia

Personality traits have been shown to interact with environmental cues to modulate biological responses including treatment responses, and potentially having a role in the formation of placebo effects. Here we used the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) to identify personality traits that predict placebo analgesic responding. Cardiac inter-beat (RR) time series and electroencephalographic (EEG) band oscillations were recorded from healthy women in a cold-pain (Pain) and placebo analgesia (PA) condition. The measures of Hypnotizability, and self-reported ratings of Hypnotic Depth, Motivation, Pain Expectation, Involuntariness in PA responding, Pain and Distress intensity were obtained. Separate principal components factor analyses with varimax rotation were performed on summarized heart rate variability (HRV) measures of time, frequency, nonlinear Complexity, and EEG-band activity. Both analyses yielded a similar three-factor solution including Frequency HRV (factor-1), Complexity HRV dynamics (factor-2), and time HRV & EEG-delta activity (factor-3). Reward Interest sub-trait of the Behavioral Approach System (BAS-RI), Pain Expectation, Involuntariness in PA responding, and Hypnotic Depth were positively associated, whereas negative changes in time-HRV & EEG-delta scores were associated with Pain Reduction. Multiple mediation analyses disclosed that BAS-RI, potentially served by the dopaminergic system, through Involuntariness in PA responding can alter placebo responding to laboratory pain. Our results also show that a linear compound of HR slowing and higher EEG delta activity during PA explains a substantial proportion of the variance in placebo analgesic responses. Future studies should examine the potential role that these individual difference measures may play in patient responsiveness to treatments for clinical pain.

Reinforcement sensitivity theory and relationship satisfaction via mastery

This study aimed to advance understanding of RST personality and romantic relationships. It examined the link between revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) and relationship satisfaction via the mediator mastery. The sample consisted of 110 United States participants who reported being in an exclusive relationship. The measures examined were Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), and Jackson's Mastery scale. The results highlight that revised Behavioral Approach Systems (BAS) and Reward Interest (BAS-RI) predicted relationship satisfaction. Mastery mediated BAS, BAS-RI, and Reward Reactivity (BAS-RR) with relationship satisfaction. Additionally, revised Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Impulsivity (BAS-IMP) negatively predicted relationship satisfaction. Individuals with high reward sensitivity and mastery may put more cognitive effort into a romantic relationship believing it is a goal that will reward them with happiness.

Personal costs and benefits of employee intrapreneurship: Disentangling the employee intrapreneurship, well-being, and job performance relationship.

Ample studies have confirmed the benefits of intrapreneurship (i.e., employee behaviors that contribute to new venture creation and strategic renewal activities) for firm performance, but research on the personal costs and benefits of engaging in intrapreneurial activities for employees is lacking. Building on job demands-resources and reinforcement sensitivity theories, we examined how employees' reinforcement sensitivity qualified the relationship among their intrapreneurial behavior, subjective well-being, and other-rated job performance. Using a sample of 241 employee dyads, the results of moderated mediation analyses confirmed that employee intrapreneurship related positively to work engagement for employees high (vs. low) in sensitivity to rewards (behavioral approach system), which subsequently related positively to innovativeness and in-role performance and negatively to work avoidance. In contrast, employee intrapreneurship related positively to exhaustion for employees high (vs. low) in sensitivity to punishments (behavioral inhibition system), which subsequently related positively to work avoidance and negatively to in-role performance (but not to innovativeness). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

The influence of hypnotizabilty, contextual factors, and behavioural approach system on tonic pain relief during placebo analgesia: erp, eeg, and heart rate dynamics

The conscious patient cooperation during neurological procedures has become necessary for the delimitation of areas to be managed by a neurosurgeon, with better results in the treatment of tumor lesions, vascular or epileptic foci, and lesser sequelae. The need for perioperative awareness (responsiveness to commands) challenges anesthesiologists to further ensure patient safety during the procedure. Several techniques have been described for this purpose.In this case, interaction with the patient during brain tumor resection enabled a broad approach of the tumor lesion, limited by deficits in speech and naming observed during surgical manipulation, avoiding major consequences. The chosen technique was deepening of general anesthesia during surgical times of most painful stimulus with intraoperative awakening of the patient.Patient selection, an exhaustive explanation of the procedure to him, and the selection of drugs are crucial for a successful procedure. Laryngeal mask is useful in times requiring greater depth and anesthetic ventilation control, primarily in situations where endotracheal intubation may be hindered by the position. The continuous infusion of remifentanil and adjuncts in the awake period associated adequate analgesia and full consciousness.A colaboração consciente do paciente durante procedimentos neurológicos tem se tornado necessária para delimitar áreas a serem abordadas pelo neurocirurgião, com melhores resultados no tratamento de lesões tumorais, vasculares ou focos epiléticos e minimização de sequelas. A necessidade de consciência perioperatória e responsividade a comandos desafia o anestesiologista a garantir ainda a segurança do paciente durante o procedimento. Várias técnicas têm sido descritas para esse fim.No presente caso, a interação com paciente durante ressecção de tumor cerebral possibilitou abordagem ampla de lesão tumoral, limitada por déficits de fala e de identificação notados à manipulação cirúrgica, e evitou sequelas maiores. A indução de anestesia geral em tempos cirúrgicos de maior estímulo doloroso com despertar intraoperatório do paciente foi a técnica escolhida.A seleção do paciente, seu exaustivo esclarecimento e a seleção das drogas são de fundamental importância para o sucesso do procedimento. A máscara laríngea é instrumento útil em tempos que exigem maior profundidade anestésica e controle da ventilação, primariamente em situações em que a intubação endotraqueal pode estar dificultada pelo posicionamento. A infusão contínua de remifentanil e coadjuvantes no período desperto associou analgesia adequada e consciência plena.

Impulsivity and Behavior-Dependent Life Events Mediate the Relationship of Reward Sensitivity and Depression, but Not Hypomania, Among at-Risk Adolescents

Both reward sensitivity and impulsivity are related to the development and course of bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) and have been implicated in other disorders and negative functional outcomes such as substance abuse, obesity, suicidal behaviors, and risk-taking. Furthermore, according to the transactional component of the Behavioral Approach System (BAS)/reward hypersensitivity theory of BSDs, people with reward hypersensitivity should experience more BAS-relevant events, and thus, are more vulnerable to mood symptoms and episodes via stress generation. Impulsivity may exacerbate stress generation in individuals at risk for BSDs based on exhibiting reward hypersensitivity. The current study examined whether impulsivity explained the generation of stress and subsequent mood symptoms beyond what is explained by reward sensitivity alone. Participants were 131 Moderate BAS and 216 High BAS sensitivity adolescents (M = 18.43 years, SD = 1.40), who completed baseline measures of reward sensitivity and impulsivity, as well as follow-up measures of life events and mood symptoms. Results from linear regression analyses indicated that higher baseline impulsivity predicted behavior-dependent, but not behavior-independent, life events. Furthermore, path analyses suggested that the effect of BAS group on depression symptoms at next follow-up was partly explained via the indirect effect of impulsivity and negative behavior-dependent life events. We did not find these effects for behavior-independent or positive-dependent events or for prediction of hypomanic symptoms. The findings suggest that impulsivity may account for stress generation of negative events that precede depression.

Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Systems, and Emotional Regulation in Individuals With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory postulates two distinct neurophysiological systems that underlie thoughts, emotions, and behavior: the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and the Behavioral Approach System (BAS). Preliminary research suggests that both systems may play relevant roles in the adjustment of individuals with chronic pain. However, there is a lack of research on the extent to which emotional regulation (i.e., cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) mediates the associations between BIS and BAS activation and emotional responses in individuals with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to test a model of the associations between the BIS and BAS, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, and positive and negative affect in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain. In total, 516 participants were interviewed. Structural Equation Modeling was used to estimate the associations between variables. The empirical model showed a good fit to the data (χ2/df = 1.95; RMSEA = 0.04; GFI = 0.99; AGFI = 0.98; CFI = 0.99). The hypothesized model received partial support. The BIS was associated with cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression; cognitive reappraisal was associated with negative and positive affect; expressive suppression was positively associated with affect; and the BAS was not associated with the emotional regulation strategies assessed. However, the BIS and BAS were both directly associated with negative and positive affect. The results suggest that individuals with chronic pain with higher BIS activation appear to use greater expressive suppression. Cognitive reappraisal strongly mediated the BIS-negative affect association. The results also suggest that BAS activation may have a weak or inconsistent association with emotional regulation approaches in individuals with chronic pain. These data provide new and relevant information on the potential role of the BIS and BAS as predictors of psychological functioning in individuals with chronic pain. They suggest that the BIS-BAS model of chronic pain may need to be modified to take into account the potential negative effects of BAS activation. The findings suggest that treatments for emotional regulation could potentially reduce the negative impact of chronic pain via BIS.

Resting Frontal Asymmetry and Reward Sensitivity Theory Motivational Traits

The revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (rRST) of personality has conceptualized three main systems: the behavioural approach system (BAS), behavioural inhibition system (BIS), and fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS). Research links greater relative left-frontal activity with BAS-related tendencies and impulsivity and greater relative right-frontal activity with “withdrawal” motivation that included both BIS and FFFS. Although rRST has addressed the separation of FFFS and BIS, much of personality neuroscience research does not indicate which system is related to right frontal activity. We administered the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) to measure the BAS and its facets (goal-drive persistence, reward interest, reward reactivity, and impulsivity), BIS, and the withdrawal FFFS. We examined the association of RST-PQ traits with resting electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha-asymmetry in female participants (N = 162) by considering the influence of experimenter’s gender. In the total group, that included two subgroups with experimenters of different gender, BAS-impulsivity was related to greater left- than right-frontal activity, and FFFS, but not BIS, was related to greater relative right-frontocentral activity. These associations remained significant for the subgroup with a young same-sex experimenter, but not with opposite-sex experimenter.

Virtual prognostication: When virtual alcohol choices predict change in alcohol consumption over 6-months

Narrative games, in which users interact with virtual agents, are increasingly being used in health interventions to change targeted behaviors. In virtual social interactions, based on similar real-life contextual cues, past behavior can predict virtual choices. Here, based on theories in learning and interactivity, we examined the whether following a virtual intervention, choices in social interactions may be particularly diagnostic of future behavior changes. To test this, we needed to (1) leverage a contextualized risk (e.g., involving alcohol consumption): scenario (e.g., having one more drink with my partner) given a target audience (e.g., sexually risky young men who have sex with men (YMSM)), (2) include within this context an evidence-based virtual intervention (e.g., promoting alcohol reduction), (3) instantiate and record a virtual choice (water or alcohol) in a virtual dating game scenario intervention with IA for that target audience, and (4) assess pre and 6-months post-intervention YMSM's alcohol use. Using a Socially Optimized Learning Environment (SOLVE) intervention game with IA and alcohol use measures, we found that virtual water choice (versus virtual alcohol choice) significantly predicted real-life alcohol consumption change. Furthermore, personality factors (e.g., Behavioral Approach System) predicted virtual choices and alcohol consumption change. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Extraversion and behavioural approach system in stimulus analysis and motor response initiation

In this study, we attempt to validate previous findings on extraversion-related differences in speed of sensorimotor processing and to extend them into Behavioural Approach System (BAS) subtraits within the framework of the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) of personality. Here, we assessed psychological traits of extraversion (E), four BAS facets (Goal-Drive Persistence, BAS-GDP; Reward Interest, BAS-RI; Reward Reactivity, BAS-RR; Impulsivity, BAS-I), Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS), and Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS) in 51 volunteers (28 women). Stimulus-locked lateralized readiness potential (S-LRP), response-locked LRP (R-LRP), stimulus-locked and response-locked forearm electromyogram (S-EMG and R-EMG), and P3 components of the event-related potentials (ERPs), were recorded during the performance of a two-choice Go/NoGo visual letter-digit discrimination task varying in task difficulty. High extraverts, relative to introverts and individuals high relative to low on BAS-RI, were more likely to exhibit shorter S-LRP latencies and stimulus- and response-locked EMG latencies. Additionally, high BAS-I had a shorter R-RLP latency than low BAS-I participants for the difficult task. High FFFS levels were associated with longer S-LRP and S-EMG latencies, while high BIS levels had larger response accuracy. Extraverts, relative to introverts, along with those high relative to low on BAS-RR and BAS-I, exhibited smaller P3 amplitudes.The faster cortical premotor initiation, found in individuals high on extraversion, BAS-RI and low on FFFS, may account for their faster peripheral motor response initiation and execution.Smaller P3 amplitudes in extraverts and individuals high on BAS-RR and BAS-I may indicate reduced perceptual processing capacity in these individuals.

Coping with amplified emotionality among people with bipolar disorder: A longitudinal study

BackgroundThe amplified emotionality characteristics of bipolar disorder (BD) may interfere with goal pursuit in the recovery process. This is the first study to test the coping flexibility model empirically among people with BD. Finding ways to cope with goal-striving life events should shed light on managing elevated mood states. MethodsUsing a 12-month longitudinal follow-up design, this study examined the stability in coping flexibility with experimentally-devised Behavioral Approach System (BAS) activating life events and mood states at 6- and 12-month time points for individuals with BD (n = 83) and healthy controls (n = 89). Hierarchical linear modeling tested the individual growth model by studying the longitudinal data. ResultsThe findings showed fluctuations in different components of coping flexibility and mood states across time. They confirmed the amplified emotionality characteristics of BD. Moreover, coping flexibility took precedence over BAS sensitivity and psychosocial functioning levels in predicting mood states. LimitationsMeasurements of BAS sensitivity may focus on trait nature only and prone to subjective bias. The assessment of mood or coping flexibility may not accurately capture actual experience in daily life. Lack of respective data on bipolar subtypes and significant differences in some dimensions between the BD and control groups are further limitations of the study. ConclusionsThe study's findings have implications for coping with amplified emotionality within the personal recovery process for people with BD. Judicious application of coping strategies and adjustment of perceived controllability are crucial for individuals to reach goals pertinent to personal recovery and manage potential manic mood symptoms.

Assessment of Behavioral Approach and Behavioral Inhibition Systems in Mood Disorders.

Introduction:Psychiatric disorders could be evaluated in terms of behavioral activation and inhibition systems. Dysregulation of these systems may lead to development of manic or depressive episodes in patients with mood disorders. This study aimed to identify Behavioral Approach System (BAS) and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) hypersensitivity as the functional brain system behaviors in patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar mood disorder I, compared to healthy individuals.Methods:This case-control study was conducted in Razi Psychiatric Hospital, a mental health referral center in Northwest of Iran. The study consisted of two groups of patients, one with major depressive and the other with bipolar mood disorders and one healthy group. Each group had 40 patients (20 men and 20 women). The study data were collected through BIS and BAS questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS version 18.Results:The findings showed a significant negative correlation between BIS, BAS and BAS subscales with the severity of depression and positive correlation with mania symptoms (P<0.05).Conclusion:BAS and BIS dysregulations may predispose people to mood disorder symptoms. BAS is hyperactive during manic phase and may predict the symptom severity of bipolar mood disorder.

The Psychometric Properties of the German Language Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory-Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ)

Abstract. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of a German translation of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ; Corr &amp; Cooper, 2016 ). Five hundred twenty-seven participants completed the German version of the RST-PQ, in addition to a battery of related self-report personality questionnaires. A six-factor structure, with two unitary defensive factors, fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS; related to fear) and the behavioral inhibition system (BIS; related to anxiety), and four behavioral approach system (BAS) factors (Reward Interest, Goal-Drive Persistence, Reward Reactivity, and Impulsivity), was supported by confirmatory factor analysis, confirming the English language version of the RST-PQ. Convergent and discriminant validity for the six-factor structure was demonstrated in relation to existing personality scales. Results showed that the German version of the RST-PQ is a reliable and valid self-report measure of the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) of personality. This version of the RST-PQ is offered to facilitate work on approach-avoidance theories of personality using German language samples.

The Preface Layer for Auditing Sensual Interacts of Primary Distress Concealing through Sensible Cardinal Spectroscopy

Resting anterior brain electrical activity, self-report measures of Behavioral Approach System (BAS) and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) strength, and common levels of Positive Affect (PA) and Negative Affect (NA) were composed from 46 unselected undergraduates two split occasions Electroencephalogram (EEG) measures of prefrontal asymmetry and the self-report measures showed excellent internal reliability, steadiness and tolerable test-retest stability. Strong connection betweens the unconstrained facial emotional expressions and the full of feeling states correlated cerebrum movement. When seeing dreadful as contrasted with unbiased faces, members showed larger amounts of actuation inside the privilege average prefrontal cortex (PFC). To propose a multimodal method to deal with assess Efficient Practical near Infrared Spectroscopy (EPNIS) signals and EEG signals for full of feeling state identification. Outcomes demonstrate that proposed technique with EPNIS enhances execution over EPNIS methodologies. Based on Experimental evaluations, proposed EPNIS algorithm enhances Mean Time (MT) 209.15 milliseconds, Standard Deviation (SD) 101.4 milliseconds and Accuracy 4.45 % of the proposed framework compared than previous methodologies.

When does power trigger approach motivation? Threats and the role of perceived control in the power domain

AbstractIt is widely believed that power activates the behavioral approach system (Guinote, ; Keltner, Gruenfeld, &amp; Anderson, ); however, findings are inconsistent. Here we discuss evidence suggesting that perceived threats to control in the power domain are key determinants of the association between power and approach motivation. We propose that objective or subjective threats to the exercise of power trigger behavioral inhibition, conflicts between approach and behavioral inhibition, and reactive, negatively valenced approach motivation. Furthermore, threatened power holders reassert power—in particular by using coercion—as defense against threat. We discuss literature in support of these hypotheses involving external threats (e.g., instability, illegitimacy, and uncertainty) and subjective states (anxiety, motivation to maintain power, perceived incompetence, submissiveness, and perceptions of low power) that trigger the perception of lack of control in the power domain and undermine the positive tone of power holders' approach motivation.

Relations Between the Behavioral Approach System (BAS) and Self-Reported Life History Traits

Abstract. The behavioral approach system (BAS) has been shown to be important in everyday life. However, its putative evolutionary origins have not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between BAS processes and life history strategies, or lifestyles, within life history theory. The BAS scales were assessed by the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ-20), while lifestyles were measured by the Mini-K. Data from 457 participants (173 males) were analyzed by structural equation modelling, followed by set correlation to examine personality and Mini-K relationships. The structural model showed that RST-PQ Reward Interest, Goal-Drive Persistence and Reward Reactivity correlated with a slow lifestyle, while RST-PQ Impulsivity and (SPSRQ) Sensitivity to Reward (SR) did not correlate with the Mini-K. However, set correlation analysis revealed that SR correlated negatively with the Mini-K subscale Experience in romantic relationship and highlighted the importance of Insight, planning, and control in explaining the role of the BAS within slow lifestyle strategy. The findings are discussed in terms of possible evolutionary origins of the BAS.

Fear and Anxiety in Social Setting

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.

Impulsivity and behaviour problems in dogs: A Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory perspective

Trait impulsivity is an increasingly relevant topic for human and non-human animal personality research. There are similarities in dog and human manifestations of trait impulsivity at the behavioural, genetic, and neurobiological level. We investigated a well-validated measure of dog impulsivity and responsivity (the Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale, DIAS) and a neuropsychological theory of human trait approach and avoidance (the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of personality, RST). Owners reported their dogs’ dispositional behaviour on the DIAS, an RST scale modified to describe dogs’ behaviour, and a list of common dog behaviour problems. In a sample of 730 dogs, we observed convergence between the RST and the DIAS. There was a negative correlation between RST ‘Behaviour Inhibition System’ and DIAS impulsivity factor (‘Behavioural Regulation’). RST ‘Behavioural Approach System’ correlated positively with DIAS ‘Responsiveness’. The RST ‘Fight-Flight-Freeze System’ (FFFS) and the DIAS ‘Aggression and response to novelty factor were both distinct from other factors. However, the DIAS ‘Aggression and response to novelty’ factor and the RST FFFS explained different aspects of dog behaviour problems. Importantly, whilst the DIAS factors indicated tendencies towards avoidant behaviours, the FFFS discriminated between active and passive avoidance. The findings suggest a partial overlapping between the DIAS and RST scales, and highlights the utility of personality models in investigating behaviour problems in dogs.