Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System Research Articles

The Effects of Peer Competition-Induced Anxiety on Massive Open Online Course Learning: The Mediating Role of the Behavioral Inhibition System.

With the increased emphasis on competition in academic settings, anxiety is becoming more common, which inevitably has some impact on students' learning processes and results. This study aimed to explore how competition-induced anxiety influences students' subjective cognitive load (SCL), attention levels, and test scores. We also investigated the mediating role of the behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS) in those factors. A total of 101 college students were recruited in Study 1 to learn from five micro-lectures from massive open online courses (MOOCs) under competitive and non-competitive conditions. The results showed that participants' state anxiety (SA) scores were higher after the experiment, participants under the competition condition had higher test scores, and the relationship between SA/ trait anxiety (TA) and SCL could be mediated by the BIS. To obtain more objective data on learning processes (attention levels), we conducted Study 2, which collected behavioral and EEG data from 42 college students during the online learning. The results showed that the competition group had higher SA, lower attention levels, and worse test scores, and the relationship between SA/TA and attention levels could be mediated through the BIS. The present study not only expands previous research by finding that BIS functioning plays an important role in the effects of anxiety on cognitive load and attention but also offers implications for using competitive strategies to motivate students according to their aptitudes.

Change in motivational bias during treatment predicts outcome in anorexia nervosa.

Reward and punishment sensitivity are known to be altered in anorexia nervosa (AN). Most research has examined these constructs separately although motivated behavior is influenced by considering both the potential for reward and risk of punishment. The present study sought to compare the relative balance of reward and punishment sensitivity in AN versus healthy controls (HCs) and examine whether motivational bias is associated with AN symptoms and treatment outcomes. Adolescents and adults with AN (n = 262) in a partial hospitalization program completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, and Sensitivity to Punishment/Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ) at admission and discharge. HCs (HC; n = 90) completed the BIS/BAS and SPSRQ. Motivational Bias Scores were calculated to reflect the dominance of reward versus punishment sensitivity. Individuals with AN demonstrated significantly greater bias toward punishment sensitivity than HC. In AN, a bias toward punishment was associated with higher EDE-Q Global score at admission. Change in motivational bias during treatment predicted EDE-Q Global scores, but not BMI, at discharge, with greater increases in reward sensitivity or greater decreases in punishment sensitivity during treatment predicting lower eating pathology. Similar findings were observed using the BIS/BAS and SPSRQ. Change in motivational bias during treatment is associated with improved outcomes in AN. However, it appears that much of the change in motivational bias can be attributed to changes in punishment sensitivity, rather than reward sensitivity. Future research should examine the mechanisms underlying punishment sensitivity decreases during treatment. Sensitivity to reward and punishment may be important treatment targets for individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). To date, most research has considered reward and punishment sensitivity separately, rather than examining their relationship to each other. We found that the balance of reward and punishment sensitivity (i.e., motivational bias) differs between healthy controlsand those with AN and that this bias is associated with eating disorder symptoms and treatment outcome.

The role of impulsivity in the relationship between affect and alcohol consumption in young adults.

Theoretical models of alcohol use posit that individuals consume alcohol to ameliorate negative affect or to heighten positive affect. It is important, however, to consider the influence of factors that may determine an individual's tendency to consume excessive amounts of alcohol under positive and negative circumstances. Thus, the current study examined a large sample of young adults to clarify whether positive and negative affect predict total alcohol consumption on drinking days and whether facets of impulsivity moderate these relationships. Six-hundred ninety-three young adults (Mage = 19.71 years, SD = 2.04; female = 62.9%) completed the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales at baseline followed by daily measures of positive and negative affect and self-reported alcohol use for 13 days. Generalized linear mixed models were specified to assess the role of pre-consumption affect on total drinks consumed across drinking days and to determine the moderating effect of each BIS/BAS subscale. Participants were significantly more likely to drink in greater quantities on occasions preceded by higher positive affect but not negative affect. While fun-seeking positively predicted total drinks consumed, there were no significant interaction effects between the BIS/BAS subscales and affect on total drinks consumed. These findings challenge existing affect regulation models and have implications for ecological momentary interventions aimed at addressing hazardous drinking behaviors.

Motivational and self-regulatory processes associated with weight-related parenting behaviors

BackgroundParents play an influential role on their child’s eating and physical activity. How maternal personality and individual differences, such as motivation and self-regulation, are associated with their weight-related parenting has yet to be studied. The current study examined relationships of mothers’ motivational and self-regulatory characteristics with weight-related parenting practices. MethodsMothers (N = 149, MAge = 42.78 years, 49% Hispanic/Latino) of school-aged children (ages 10-14 years, 55.7% female) completed questionnaires assessing behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS), self-control, and weight-related parenting practices (i.e., role modeling, food restriction, rule enforcement, limiting, discipline, pressure to eat). Structural equation modeling examined associations of BIS, BAS, and self-control with parenting practices. ResultsAmong mothers, higher avoidance motivation was associated with difficulty with rule enforcement. Higher approach motivation was associated with less limiting of unhealthy food and sedentary behavior. Higher self-control predicted more role modeling and less difficulty with rule enforcement. ConclusionFindings support associations of maternal motivational and self-regulatory processes with weight-related parenting behaviors. Results may inform tailored strategies based on individual differences for family-based interventions for parenting.

HPA Axis Responsiveness Associates with Central Serotonin Transporter Availability in Human Obesity and Non-Obesity Controls.

Alterations of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and serotonergic signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis of human obesity and may contribute to its metabolic and mental complications. The association of these systems has not been investigated in human obesity. To investigate the relation of HPA responsiveness and serotonin transporter (5-HTT) availability in otherwise healthy individuals with obesity class II or III (OB) compared to non-obesity controls (NO). Twenty-eight OB (21 females; age 36.6 ± 10.6 years; body mass index (BMI) 41.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2) were compared to 12 healthy NO (8 females; age 35.8 ± 7.4 years; BMI 22.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2), matched for age and sex. HPA axis responsiveness was investigated using the combined dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (dex/CRH) test, and curve indicators were derived for cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The 5-HTT selective tracer [11C]DASB was applied, and parametric images of the binding potentials (BPND) were calculated using the multilinear reference tissue model and evaluated by atlas-based volume of interest (VOI) analysis. The self-questionnaires of behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS) with subscales drive, fun-seeking and reward were assessed. OB showed significant positive correlations of ACTH curve parameters with overall 5-HTT BPND (ACTHAUC: r = 0.39, p = 0.04) and 5-HTT BPND of the caudate nucleus (ACTHAUC: r = 0.54, p = 0.003). In NO, cortisol indicators correlated significantly with BPND in the hippocampus (cortisolAUC: r = 0.59, p = 0.04). In OB, BAS reward was inversely associated with the ACTHAUC (r = -0.49, p = 0.009). The present study supports a serotonergic-neuroendocrine association, which regionally differs between OB and NO. In OB, areas processing emotion and reward seem to be in-volved. The finding of a serotonergic HPA correlation may have implications for other diseases with dysregulated stress axis responsiveness, and for potential pharmacologic interven-tions.

BIS sensitivity, BAS sensitivity, and recent suicide attempts

Suicide attempts are motivated by the desire to escape aversive states and circumstances, suggesting they may be regulated by the behavioral inhibition system (BIS). Suicide attempts are also associated with reward pursuit, however, implicating a role for the behavioral activation system (BAS). We hypothesized that the interaction of high BIS and BAS sensitivity would be associated with increased risk of past-month suicide attempt. 10,625 adults completed an anonymous online survey assessing BIS sensitivity, BAS sensitivity, past-month suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, and relevant covariates. Results of logistic regression modeling yielded a statistically significant BIS-BAS interaction in the full sample and the subset of participants reporting past-month suicidal ideation (n = 489). At low BIS levels, BAS sensitivity was negatively correlated with suicide attempts; at mean BIS levels, BAS sensitivity was not correlated with suicide attempts; and at high BIS levels, BAS sensitivity was positively correlated with suicide attempts. Results suggest that vulnerability to suicide attempts may be increased among people with heightened reward responsiveness (i.e., high BAS sensitivity) when they experience competing incentives (i.e., high BIS sensitivity). Implications for clinical practice and the prevention of suicide are discussed.

The Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System Scales: Measurement Invariance Across Gender in Chinese University Students.

Objectives: To identify the optimal factor structure of the behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS) scales and to examine measurement invariance (MI) of the scales across gender among a sample of Chinese undergraduate students.Methods: Convenience sampling was employed to recruit 1,085 subjects. Participants completed the Chinese version of the BIS/BAS scales. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of competing models was conducted to determine the optimal factor model, followed by a test of MI across gender based on the optimal model.Results: A single-group CFA indicated that the modified four-factor structure fits best in the total sample. Multiple-group CFAs demonstrated that configural invariance, weak invariance, strong invariance, and strict invariance models of the four-factor structure of the BIS/BAS scales were all acceptable.Conclusion: The four-factor structure of the Chinese version of the BIS/BAS scales possesses MI across gender.

Individual interregional perfusion between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation targets and the subgenual anterior cortex predicts response and remission to aiTBS treatment in medication-resistant depression: The influence of behavioral inhibition

BackgroundAccelerated intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (aiTBS) has been put forward as an effective treatment to alleviate depressive symptoms. Baseline functional connectivity (FC) patterns between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the subgenual anterior cortex (sgACC) have gained a lot of attention as a potential biomarker for response. However, arterial spin labeling (ASL) - measuring regional cerebral blood flow - may allow a more straightforward physiological interpretation of such interregional functional connections. ObjectivesWe investigated whether baseline covariance perfusion connectivity between the individually stimulated left DLPFC targets and sgACC could predict meaningful clinical outcome. Considering that individual characteristics may influence efficacy prediction, all patients were also assessed with the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scale. MethodsAfter baseline ASL scanning, forty-one medication-resistant depressed patients received twenty sessions of neuronavigated left DLPFC aiTBS in an accelerated sham-controlled crossover fashion, where all stimulation sessions were spread over four days (Trial registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01832805). ResultsStronger individual baseline interregional covariance perfusion connectivity patterns predicted response and/or remission. Furthermore, responders and remitters with higher BIS scores displayed stronger baseline interregional perfusion connections. ConclusionsTargeting the left DLPFC with aiTBS based on personal structural imaging data only may not be the most optimal method to enhance meaningful antidepressant responses. Individual baseline interregional perfusion connectivity could be an important added brain imaging method for individual optimization of more valid stimulation targets within the left DLPFC. Additional therapies dealing with behavioral inhibition may be warranted.

A Genetic Variation in the Y Chromosome Among Modern Japanese Males Related to Several Physiological and Psychological Characteristics.

Previous studies in population genetics have proposed that the Y-chromosomal (Y-DNA) haplogroup D ancestor likely originated from Africa. The haplogroup D branch next started Out-of-Africa migration, rapidly expanded across Eurasia, and later diversified in East Asia. Y-DNA haplogroup D-M55, one of the branches of haplogroup D, is only found in modern Japanese males, suggesting that individuals with Y-DNA haplogroup D migrated from the Eurasian continent. Based on previous observations, Y-DNA haplogroup D is expected to be associated with some male characteristics including personality. Therefore, this study investigated whether the Y-DNA haplogroup D-M55 is associated with several physiological and psychological characteristics, including exploratory motivation and human relationship-related perception. We recruited Japanese young adult males and females and investigated the association between Y-DNA haplogroup D-M55, physiological [body mass index (BMI)], and several psychological parameters [perceived number of close friends, behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS), perceived happiness, and perceived loneliness]. The results indicated that males with haplogroup D-M55 had a higher BMI and more close friends, compared with non-carrier males. Additional multiple regression analyses, which tested the hypothesis that haplogroup D-M55 predicts BMI and perceived number of close friends, confirmed our hypothesis, even after controlling for the potentially confounding variables of age and sex. We also analyzed the gene–gene interaction between haplogroup D-M55 and an autosomal gene polymorphism associated with BMI and human relationships, such as the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2: rs1800497). Results showed gene–gene interactions between haplogroups D-M55 and DRD2 in BMI. Based on these findings, it is demonstrated that Y-DNA haplogroup D is associated with human personality.

Replication of the three sensitivity groups and investigation of their characteristics in Japanese samples

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a basic trait to describe individual differences in sensitivity and reactivity to environmental stimuli. Studies in Western countries have suggested that people fall into the three sensitivity groups, namely high-, medium-, and low-SPS groups and explored their characteristics. This study investigated whether the results found in Western studies can be replicated in Japanese samples. Two samples of Japanese university students, namely Sample A (n = 1257) and Sample B (n = 720), participated in a questionnaire-based survey. In both samples their SPS levels were assessed using the Japanese version of Highly Sensitive Person Scale. Additionally, only in Sample B their temperament and affect were assessed using the Japanese version of the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. A series of latent class analysis indicated that the three-class model fitted best with the data. Each group could be interpreted as a high-, medium-, and low-SPS group, respectively. Furthermore, the characteristics of each group were explored considering the levels of BIS/BAS and positive and negative affect. Analyses of variance suggested that each sensitivity group in the Japanese samples had similar characteristics as those in Western samples. Although several issues should be addressed, most of the findings from Western studies could be replicated.

The Relationship Between Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation Systems, Impulsiveness, and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Students of Different Ages.

Background and Aims: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), which is an underlying symptom classified as a behavioral addiction disorder, has many related social problems that have garnered the bulk of attention in recent research. However, its psychological/behavioral mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between IGD and impulsivity which is regulated by behavioral inhibition and activation among different age groups.Methods: A total of 1,525 students completed Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Online Game Addiction Questionnaire, the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11).Results: (1) The prevalence of IGD in different ages students was 10.3%. (2) BIS, BAS-Fun seeking (BAS-F), and BIS-11 scores indicated that there were significant differences between IGD and non-IGD individuals. (3) BIS showed significant differences in different grades (i.e., between undergraduates and middle school students with IGD; F = 3.10, p < 0.05). (4) The IAT scores demonstrated a significant positive correlation with BIS scores (r = 0.375, p < 0.05) among undergraduates with IGD; IAT scores of high school students with IGD were negatively correlated with BAS-Reward (BAS-R) (r = −0.28, p < 0.05).5)BIS and BIS-11 together could explain 14.9% variance of IGD among the college group; BAS-R and BAS-F together could explain 16.7% variance of IGD among the high school group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The relationships between IGD and BIS, BAS-F, BAS-D, BIS-11 scores differed due to the age group of individuals tested.

The Role of Impulsivity and Sensitivity to Reward in Dropout of Addiction Treatment in Heroin Addicts.

BackgroundImpulsivity and sensitivity to reward situate at the marrow of pathology of substance use disorders (SUDs). This study examined the role of impulsivity and sensitivity to reward in dropout of addiction treatment in heroin addicts.MethodsThe participants of this study were 216 heroin addicts. The participants were assigned to three different groups including abstinent group (n = 104), relapsed group (n = 45), and dropped out of treatment group (n = 67). The participants completed the semi-structured interview, Carver and White Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) questionnaires, and the Delay Discounting Task (DDT).FindingsThe delay discounting (DD) and reward-seeking rates were high in relapse and dropout groups compared to the abstinence group and this difference was significant in P < 0.01 level.ConclusionPeople with substance abuse disorders have impulsive behaviors and often prefer immediate reward related to substance use than long-term and greater rewards.

Association Between Social Cognition Changes and Resting State Functional Connectivity in Frontotemporal Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Healthy Controls.

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between alterations in resting state functional connectivity and social cognition dysfunction among patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and healthy controls (HC).MethodsFifty-seven participants (FTD = 10, AD = 18, PD = 19, and HC = 10) underwent structural and functional imaging and completed the Awareness of Social Inference Test-Emotion Evaluation Test (TASIT-EET), Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scale, Revised Self-Monitoring Scale (RSMS), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and Social Norms Questionnaire (SNQ). A multi-variate pattern analysis (MVPA) was carried out to determine activation differences between the groups. The clusters from the MVPA were used as seeds for the ROI-to-voxel analysis. Relationship between social cognition deficits and uncinate integrity was also investigated.ResultsBOLD signal activation differed among the four groups of AD, PD, FTD, and HC in the left inferior temporal gyrus-anterior division [L-ITG (ant)], right central opercular cortex (R-COp), right supramarginal gyrus, posterior division (R-SMG, post), right angular gyrus (R-AG), and R-ITG. The BOLD co-activation of the L-ITG (ant) with bilateral frontal pole (FP) and paracingulate gyrus was positively associated with IRI-perspective taking (PT) (r = 0.38, p = 0.007), SNQ total (r = 0.37, p = 0.009), and TASIT-EET (r = 0.47, p < 0.001).ConclusionPatients with neurodegenerative diseases showed alterations in connectivity in brain regions important for social cognition compared with HCs. Functional connectivity correlated with performance on social cognition tasks and alterations could be responsible for some of the social cognition deficits observed in all neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of Neuropsychological Systems on Psychopathology Through Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Individuals with Suicide Attempts

This study aimed to evaluate direct and indirect effects of neuropsychological systems including behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) on psychopathology (e.g., depression and current suicidal ideation) through adaptive/non-adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERSs). In a cross-sectional design, three hundred suicide attempters completed the Carver and White BIS/BAS scales, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Short version (CERQ-Short), the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The results of mediation analyses from cross-sectional data revealed that BAS and BIS had direct effects on current suicidal ideation, but not on depression. Also, low BAS and high BIS were indirectly associated with depression through low use of adaptive, and high use of non-adaptive, CERSs, respectively. BIS had an indirect effect on current suicidal ideation via non-adaptive CERSs. The findings suggest that high BIS along with high use of non-adaptive CERSs as well as low BAS along with low use of adaptive CERSs may be associated with depression. Also, high BIS along with high non-adaptive CERSs may be related to suicidal ideation. Therefore, paying attention to CERSs may be important in understanding the psychopathology of depression and suicidal ideation in suicide attempters with high BIS and low BAS.

Sex-Specific Relationship of Childhood Adversity With Gray Matter Volume and Temperament.

Background: To date, many studies have attempted to show a relationship between potentially harmful experiences in childhood and gray matter volume (GMV) in specific brain areas. These studies managed to identify several affected regions, yet most of them neglected the influence of sex or the occurrence of mental health problems. Furthermore, little is known about mechanisms linking childhood adversity (CA) and temperamental traits as plausible endophenotypes of psychopathology.Objective: The present study addresses these two issues by trying to identify sex-specific relationships between CA and brain volumes as well as to show the role of the latter in predicting temperament scores.Method: Forty-eight people (23 women) without anxiety or affective disorders participated in this study. CA was measured using the Childhood Questionnaire (CQ) and temperament was measured with the use of the behavioral inhibition system-behavioral activation system (BIS-BAS) Scales. Whole-brain MR imaging was performed to identify GMV differences.Results: In women, we identified negative relationships between CA and GMV in the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL), right cerebellum, and right precentral gyrus. In men, we found a negative correlation between CA and GMV in the right fusiform gyrus. We also identified sex-specific relationships between CA and temperament traits.Conclusions: The results of our study suggest a sex-specific pattern in the relationship between early adverse experiences and brain structure. The results can also help explain the role that temperament plays in the relationship between CA and the risk of psychopathology.

Attachment and motivational systems: Relevance of sensitivity to punishment for eating disorder psychopathology

An altered balance of reward and inhibition systems may explain Eating Disorder (ED) behaviors and could be related to difficulties in socio-emotional processing. According to attachment theory, early interaction with caregivers affects the ability to regulate emotion in adult interpersonal situation. The aim of our study was to investigate if insecure attachment may be related to ED symptomatology through changes in reward and inhibition systems.Seventy-eight people affected by EDs and 45 healthy controls (HC) filled in the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), the Behavioral Inhibition System-Behavioral Activation System Scale (BIS-BAS) and the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2) questionnaire.ED people reported significantly higher scores than HC in EDI-2 scores, all dimensions of insecure attachment style and sensitivity to punishment (BIS score). In ED patients, ASQ anxiety scores correlated with almost all EDI-2 subscores and sensitivity to punishment. The association between anxious attachment style and ED symptomatology (drive to thinness and body dissatisfaction) was totally mediated by an indirect effect of sensitivity to punishment.These findings suggest, for the first time, increased sensitivity to punishment as a pathway that may explain the relationship between anxious attachment and ED symptomatology highlighting the relevance to target social experiences as an important psychotherapeutic focus.

Altered brain activity and the effect of personality traits in excessive smartphone use during facial emotion processing

Excessive smartphone use is a phenomenon related to maladaptive smartphone use, leading to negative consequences. This study set out with the aim of assessing the effects of excessive smartphone use on behavioral and neural responses during facial emotional processing. We examined 25 excessive smartphone users and 27 normal control users using functional MRI during facial emotion processing and investigated Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS). The excessive smartphone use group (SP) showed neural deactivation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) during the presentation of an angry face and emotional transition compared to that of the normal control group (NC). Additionally, the SP revealed neural deactivation of the superior temporal sulcus and temporo-parietal junction related to social interaction during emotional transition compared to the NC. We found that BAS-Reward Responsiveness level was correlated with behavioral responses during repeated happy faces related to emotional reward in SP compared to NC. It can thus be suggested that excessive smartphone use is likely to fail on cognitive control during emotional processing, and this impairment might be influenced on emotional processing related to social interaction.

Effect of personality traits on adherence with positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

Patient adherence with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is a significant clinical problem in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Personality traits may be a factor for non-adherence. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between PAP therapy adherence and patient personality traits. Patients were screened and recruited during their visit to a sleep clinic. Baseline data were collected from each patient's electronic chart. Behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS) scales, short measure of five-factor model personality traits (mini-IPIP), positive and negative affect score (PANAS), and appetitive motivation scores (AMS) tests were used to measure personality traits. Data from the PAP device were obtained following a minimum of an initial 30days, with adherence defined as >4h/night on 70% of nights. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze the data. A total of 400 patients were recruited. Three hundred twenty-one patients had all the data and were included in the study. Behavioral activation system-fun seeking (BAS-FS) and, to a certain extent, negative affect were significantly associated with adherence. Intellect/imagination was marginally significant. Additionally, older age (>65years), profession, PAP type, side effects, efficiency, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and residual AHI showed significant associations with patient adherence with PAP therapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that BAS-FS was still a significant predictor of adherence even after adjusting for other covariates. BAS-FS, negative affect, and intellect/imagination are significant factors for adherence to PAP therapy in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

Associating resting-state connectivity with trait impulsivity.

Psychometric research has identified stable traits that predict inter-individual differences in appetitive motivation and approach behavior. Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales have been developed to quantitatively assess these traits. However, neural mechanisms corresponding to the proposed constructs reflected in BIS/BAS are still poorly defined. The ventral striatum (VS) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are implicated in subserving reward-related functions that are also associated with the BAS. In this study, we examined whether functional connectivity between these regions predicts components of these scales. We employed resting-state functional connectivity and BIS/BAS scores assessed by a personality questionnaire. Participants completed a resting state run and the Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Systems (BIS/BAS) Questionnaire. Using resting-state BOLD, we assessed correlations between two basal ganglia ROIs (caudate and putamen) and bilateral OFC ROIs, establishing single subject connectivity summary scores. Summary scores were correlated with components of BIS/BAS scores. Results demonstrate a novel correlation between BAS-fun seeking and resting-state connectivity between middle OFC and putamen, implying that spontaneous synchrony between reward-processing regions may play a role in defining personality characteristics related to impulsivity.

Measuring the Cognitions, Emotions, and Motivation Associated With Avoidance Behaviors in the Context of Pain: Preliminary Development of the Negative Responsivity to Pain Scales.

We recently proposed a Behavioral Inhibition System-Behavioral Activation System (BIS-BAS) model to help explain the effects of pain treatments. In this model, treatments are hypothesized to operate primarily through their effects on the domains within 2 distinct neurophysiological systems that underlie approach (BAS) and avoidance (BIS) behaviors. Measures of the model's domains are needed to evaluate and modify the model. An item pool of negative responses to pain (NRP; hypothesized to be BIS related) and positive responses (PR; hypothesized to be BAS related) were administered to 395 undergraduates, 325 of whom endorsed recurrent pain. The items were administered to 176 of these individuals again 1 week later. Analyses were conducted to develop and validate scales assessing NRP and PR domains. Three NRP scales (Despondent Response to Pain, Fear of Pain, and Avoidant Response to Pain) and 2 PR scales (Happy/Hopeful Responses and Approach Response) emerged. Consistent with the model, the scales formed 2 relatively independent overarching domains. The scales also demonstrated excellent internal consistency, and associations with criterion variables supported their validity. However, whereas the NRP scales evidenced adequate test-retest stability, the 2 PR scales were not adequately stable. The study yielded 3 brief scales assessing NRP, which may be used to further evaluate the BIS-BAS model and to advance research elucidating the mechanisms of psychosocial pain treatments. The findings also provide general support for the BIS-BAS model, while also suggesting that some minor modifications in the model are warranted.