Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire Research Articles

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ)

BackgroundThe Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) originated from the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality. This study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the RST-PQ among a group of Iranian adults. MethodThe cross-sectional study was carried out among 600 Iranian adults utilizing a convenient sampling method, following specific participant selection criteria to enhance the study methodology's transparency (including the age range between 18 and 35 years' participants without major psychiatric diagnoses). Participants completed both the Iranian version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and the Five-Factor NEO-FFI questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis, employing the multiple indicators model (MIMIC) approach, was utilized in this study to control for demographic variables such as age and gender. ResultsThe confirmatory factor analysis results showed an acceptable fit of the proposed six-factor model based on the English version of RST-PQ (CFI = 0.905; RMSEA = 0.053). Also, Cronbach's alpha values confirmed the internal consistency of the proposed structure. In addition, competing models were also used to select the best-proposed model. In this way, different models were evaluated, assuming a change in the correlation intensity between BIS and the Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS). ConclusionsThe convergent validity results with the Five-Factor Personality measure provided further support and were consistent with previous research findings. It is crucial to have an Iranian-language version of the RST-PQ to promote RST research and show how this theoretical framework aids in explaining and predicting various actions, whether they are abnormal or healthy.

Exploring behavioral systems of the reinforcement sensitivity theory in people with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesAlthough epilepsy has previously been associated with behavioral changes, no previous study has utilized the behavioral models of the reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) to investigate the impact of epilepsy on behavior. Therefore, the objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the potential relationship between epilepsy and the neurobehavioral systems of the RST. MethodsUsing the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory–Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), this cross-sectional study assessed the behavioral systems of the RST in a sample of 27 epilepsy patients and 27 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. The RST-PQ was designed to assess the different behavioral systems of the RST. The behavioral approach system (BAS) is responsible of the approach behavior, in high values related to risk seeking and addictive behavior and in low values well related to depression. The behavioral inhibition system (BIS) is well related to anxiety in high levels, and the fight flight freeze system (FFFS) is responsible for the avoidance behavior. ResultsAfter adjusting for age, no significant differences were found in demographic information (gender and marital status) between the general population and epilepsy patients. Gender distribution was similar, with 55.6% females in both groups. Marital status also showed no significant difference, with 74% single in the control group and 63% in the epilepsy group. Significant differences were observed in the behavioral systems of the RST. The epilepsy group had higher scores compared with the control group in several areas. BAS reward activity had a median score of 23 in the epilepsy group and 21 in the control group (p = 0.001). BAS goal drive persistence (p = 0.04), BAS impulsivity (p = 0.014), FFFS (p = 0.002), and BIS (median score of 77 in the epilepsy group and 66 in the control group) also showed significant differences, with p = 0.001. These significant differences remained consistent before and after matching the control group, indicating their robustness. The only exception was BAS reward activity, which did not show a significant difference after matching, with p = 0.106 and p = 0.051 before and after matching, respectively. ConclusionsThe study suggests a potential positive association between epilepsy and the BIS, potentially mediated by the hippocampus. The relationship between epilepsy and the BAS, as well as the FFFS, may also be influenced by the BIS. These findings have clinical implications, but further research is needed to confirm these relationships.

The Behavioral Inhibition System as a Mediator between Child Sexual Abuse and Perceived Pornography Addiction in Adulthood

Worldwide, an estimated 12.7% of children have experienced child sexual abuse (CSA). CSA can lead to mental health, emotional, and behavioral consequences that often persist into adulthood such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation, and maladaptive sexual functioning (e.g. sexual avoidance, compulsivity). Research suggests that CSA may lead to unhealthy pornography use, a form of maladaptive sexual functioning, in adulthood, though the psychological pathways governing this relationship are unexplored. In this study, 182 United States-based individuals (mean age 36.637 [SD = 11.333] years, 51.648% men) were surveyed using Amazon MTurk regarding CSA history and perceived cyberpornography addiction. Participants also completed the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ). We found that individuals who experienced CSA reported higher perceived cyberpornography addiction scores. Serial mediation model results indicated that the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) mediated the relationship between CSA and perceived cyberpornography addiction. The BIS is a dimension of the RST-PQ which resolves conflicts between the behavioral activation system (coordinates approach behaviors) and the flight-fight-freeze system (coordinates retreat behaviors) and is associated with trait anxiety. These findings contribute to the literature on the costs of CSA and identifies BIS sensitivity as a psychological system that can be targeted in therapeutic settings to reduce maladaptive engagement with pornography by CSA survivors.

Construct validity of questionnaires for the original and revised reinforcement sensitivity theory.

This study highlights psychometric properties and evidence of construct validity on parcel-level for questionnaires on the original and revised reinforcement sensitivity theory. Our data (N = 1,076) suggest good to very good psychometric properties and moderate to excellent internal consistencies. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models suggest a very good model fit for the first-order, four factor models of the Carver-White BIS/BAS scales, Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory - Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), the two-factor model of revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory-Questionnaire (rRST-Q) and for the bifactor model of the Conflict Monitoring Questionnaire (CMQ-44). The CMQ-44 extends the psychometric measurement of previous trait-(r)BIS and trait-BAS scales. Factor scores of CMQ-44 cognitive demand correlate positively with factor scores of Carver-White BIS and all Carver-White BAS subfactors except RST-PQ-Impulsivity suggesting that CMQ-44 cognitive demand addresses Carver-White trait-BIS specifically and more generally the trait-BAS core. CMQ-44 anticipation of negative consequences and response adaptation correlate negatively with trait-BAS, whereas the second-order factor performance monitoring extends the rRST trait-space and correlates positively with trait-BAS.

Reinforcement sensitivity theory may predict COVID-19 infection outcome and vulnerability

Research suggests that specific behavior patterns may be related with the outcome and vulnerability of a COVID-19 infection; nevertheless, much of this information has been obtained by means of psychological paradigms that are not based on research conducted using experimental designs. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to identify behavior patterns associated with COVID-19 outcome and vulnerability from the point of view of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory. A total of 464 college students from Mexico-City participated in the study. Participants answered the Behavior Inhibition, Behavior Activation scales (Carver & White, 1994), the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (Corr & Cooper, 2016) and a COVID-19 symptom checklist. Data showed that those individuals who respond in an enthusiastic way to rewards develop less symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, individuals who are keen in the exploration and identification of new rewarding opportunities are less likely to develop a COVID-19 infection. Both findings suggest that a potent Behavior Activation System could protect individuals during the present pandemic. These results are in general agreement with others produced within the same framework.

Gray's Impulsivity Is Differentially Associated With Amygdala-Insula Functional Connectivity in Adolescents, Depending on ADHD Risk Status

AimsAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with alterations in both reinforcement sensitivity and affective processing but the nature of the associations of these characteristics is yet to be examined. We hypothesized that individual differences in the sensitivity of the Behavioral Approach System (BAS) would exhibit differential relations with affective network connectivity – involved in emotional regulation and salience monitoring – in youth at-risk for, relative to youth not at-risk for, ADHD.MethodsAdolescents (n = 125; Mage=16.24 years, SD = 1.09 years; 61.6% boys) were recruited as part of The Budapest Longitudinal Study of ADHD and Externalizing Disorders. Forty-nine were classified as at-risk for ADHD (Mage=16.15 years; SD = 1.21 years; 77.6% boys), defined as exhibiting ≥4 parent-rated symptoms of either domain on the ADHD Rating Scale-5. Participants completed a 10-minute resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging session, during which they were asked to focus their attention on a fixation cross, as well as various self-report assessments, including the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ).ResultsFunctional Network Connectivity analyses indicated an interaction effect between the RST-PQ BAS impulsivity subscale and at-risk status on functional connectivity between four affective network region-pairs (ps < .05, False Discovery Rate [FDR] corrected) within a cluster based on functional similarity (p = .014, FDR-corrected). Follow-up OLS linear regressions showed higher impulsivity scores predicted stronger functional connectivity between the (1) left amygdala-right insula (F(6, 117) = 3.298, p = .005, adjusted R2=.101), (2) left amygdala-left insula (F(6, 117) = 2.2, p = .048, adjusted R2=.055), (3) right amygdala-right insula (F(6, 117) = 3.833, p = .002, adjusted R2=.121), and (4) right amygdala-left insula (F(6, 117) = 3.064, p = .008, adjusted R2=.092) in at-risk youth, whereas an inverse relationship was apparent in not at-risk youth.There was no main effect of group status on BAS impulsivity scores (t(122)=−1.167, p = .246) or on functional connectivity ((1) t(122) = .383, p = .702; (2) t(122) = .195, p = .846; (3) t(122)=−.107, p = .915; (4) t(122)=−.206, p = .837).ConclusionThe amygdala-insula connection has been shown to be involved in trait impulsivity, however, available ADHD-focused studies targeted emotional functioning. To our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate that Gray's impulsivity – reflecting trait reward sensitivity – is predictive of amygdala-insula functional connectivity at rest and that this relation differs given ADHD risk. Results have conceptual and practical implications (e.g., early identification) as the role of the amygdala-insula connection in reward sensitivity appears especially relevant for a developmental phase and a diagnostic group linked to increased risk taking.

Psychometric psychopathy: Relationships with indices of reinforcement sensitivity theory factors

The current study examined relationships between psychopathy factor severity and individual differences in reinforcement sensitivity theory factors. Phase 1 examined relationships between factors from the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and the two-factor model of psychopathy using the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) in 2914 undergraduate students (63% women). Multigroup observed variable path analyses revealed unique associations between RST-PQ factors and the two factors of psychopathy. Also, small differences in relationship strength across biological sex were observed. Phase 2 examined the two factors of psychopathy in relation to hedonic ratings from the behavioral Sweet Taste Test (STT), along with self-report measures of trait pleasure, in a subset of participants (n = 93; 66% women). Analyses revealed robust sex interactions in relationships between STT ratings and the two psychopathy factors. Men with greater secondary psychopathy severity predicted a reduced slope of liking ratings to increasing concentrations of sucrose, while women showed a positive hedonic slope for secondary and a negative hedonic slope for primary psychopathy. Future research should include analyses for possible moderation of sex and incorporate menstrual cycle status in women when examining measures collected in the laboratory.

The Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory - Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and its Relationship with Everyday Behaviors.

This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory-Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ; Corr & Cooper, 2016) and to demonstrate how RST constructs are associated with a variety of everyday behaviors. To achieve this goal, three studies have been conducted. In Study 1, a direct translation of the items from English to Spanish was pilot-tested in a sample of 139 students and a descriptive analysis of items was conducted. Moreover, a reverse translation and comparison between the two English versions were carried out by the lead author of the original questionnaire and the items were refined accordingly. In Study 2, the questionnaire's internal structure was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the predictive validity was assessed using the Criterion Set of Act Clusters in a sample of 1,281 participants. Finally, a study of convergent validity with other measures of personality was performed in Study 3 with 190 participants. The obtained results suggested that the RST-PQ has adequate psychometric properties and the convergent validity results with other personality measures replicate findings from previous research. Having a Spanish language version of the RST-PQ is important, not only to advance RST research but also to demonstrate that this theoretical approach contributes to the prediction and explanation of different behaviors whether they are healthy or pathological ones.

Unique Associations of Revised-Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Constructs with Social Anxiety

Revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (r-RST) is a major neuropsychological theory of motivation, emotion, and personality. We report the results of a study that examined the unique relationships of the r-RST constructs with two forms of anxiety: social interaction and social performance. Five hundred and seventy-two adults completed the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) alongside measures of social interaction anxiety and social performance anxiety. Regression results revealed that, as predicted, both social interaction anxiety and social performance anxiety were linked uniquely and positively with the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) scale score. In addition, social performance anxiety was associated uniquely and positively with the fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS) scale score. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings for social anxiety are discussed.

Use of the Milan Pet Quality of Life Instrument (MPQL) to Measure Pets' Quality of Life during COVID-19.

Simple SummaryCOVID-19 caused unprecedented lifestyle changes, with unknown effects on pets’ quality of life. We studied the role of personality, the human–animal relationship, COVID-19-related factors, and demographics on feline and canine quality of life (QoL). We used the novel Milan Pet Quality of Life instrument (MPQL), derived from previous scales, which summarises four QoL domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Our findings indicate that pets’ demographics, life experience, and personality could explain a large part of the physical QoL. Conversely, the owners’ demographics, COVID-19-related changes, and the owners’ personality mostly explained the pets’ psychological QoL. Predictably, outdoor access in the home environment and the country of residence mostly explained the pets’ environmental QoL. Finally, the pets’ social QoL was explained by all previous aspects: pets’ characteristics and personality, environment and COVID-19-related changes, and the pet–human relationship. We suggest that these results may be explained by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the owners’ psychological state and lifestyle, which in turn alter the way the owners interact with their pets and look after them. However, the owners’ personality and mood may also influence the way they interpret and report their pets’ behavior and emotional state. These findings highlight the importance of the One Health–One Welfare perspective.The COVID-19 pandemic caused lifestyle changes, with unknown effect on pets’ quality of life (QoL). Between May and July 2020, we distributed an online survey to investigate the role of several factors on feline and canine QoL, including lockdown-related factors. We used existing scales to measure human and pets’ personalities (Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire, RST-PQ; RST-Dog; RST-Cat) and the human–animal relationship (Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, LAPS) and the Milan Pet Quality of Life instrument (MPQL). Overall, 235 participants reported about 242 adult pets (Ncats = 78, Ndogs = 164). Factor analysis confirmed the structure and internal reliability of the existing scales (RST-PQ, RST-Dog, RST-Cat, LAPS) and suggested a four-factor structure for the MPQL (physical, psychological, social, environmental). The results indicate that the pets’ psysical QoL was largely explained by pet-related elements (pets’ demographics and life experience, and pets’ personality). Conversely, the pets’ psychological QoL was explained mostly by owner-related elements, such as the owners’ demographics, COVID-19-related changes, and the owners’ personality. Predictably, the pets’ environmental QoL is mostly explained by environmental factors, such as the outdoor access in the home environment and the country. Finally, the pets’ social QoL was explained by the larger combination of models: pets’ characteristics and personality, environment and COVID-19-related changes, and the pet–human relationship. These findings can be explained by two non-mutually exclusive mechanisms. The reported changes may be a by-product of the COVID-19 pandemic’s psychological and lifestyle effects on the owners, which in turn alter the way the owners interact with their pets and look after them. However, the owners’ characteristics and mood may bias their answers regarding their pets.

Personality and online deviance: The role of reinforcement sensitivity theory in cybercrime

The Internet has afforded people a multitude of opportunities to engage in crime and deviance online. Despite recent research efforts the application of criminological theories to the topic of cybercrime has returned mixed results. Furthermore, no study to date has sought to examine the effect of personality on individual differences in motivations to engage in cybercrime. In this study we use reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) proposed by Gray (1982; 1987) as a framework for explaining cybercrime. RST is increasingly being used to explain individual differences in a range of behaviors including a wide range of criminal behaviors. In this study, 577 participants reported engagement in cybercrime behaviors and completed the RST Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ). Overall, we found support for the hypothesis that RST related traits were associated with cybercrime. The four BAS subfactors (Reward Interest, Goal-Drive Persistence, Reward Reactivity, and Impulsivity) were found to have differing relationships with cybercrime. BIS traits were also positively associated with cybercrime, possibly deriving from the effect of increased anonymity online on the role of the BIS as a conflict mediator. Overall, this study supports the application of RST to the study of cybercrime while emphasizing the need for future research to (1) disaggregate the varying effects of BAS activation on engagement in specific types of cybercriminal behaviors and (2) further explore the unique effect of online anonymity on RST processes that motivate deviant behaviors online.

An Interdisciplinary Examination of Stress and Injury Occurrence in Athletes.

This paper adopts a novel, interdisciplinary approach to explore the relationship between stress-related psychosocial factors, physiological markers and occurrence of injury in athletes using a repeated measures prospective design. At four data collection time-points, across 1-year of a total 2-year data collection period, athletes completed measures of major life events, the reinforcement sensitivity theory personality questionnaire, muscle stiffness, heart rate variability and postural stability, and reported any injuries they had sustained since the last data collection. Two Bayesian networks were used to examine the relationships between variables and model the changes between data collection points in the study. Findings revealed muscle stiffness to have the strongest relationship with injury occurrence, with high levels of stiffness increasing the probability of sustaining an injury. Negative life events did not increase the probability of injury occurrence at any single time-point; however, when examining changes between time points, increases in negative life events did increase the probability of injury. In addition, the combination of increases in negative life events and muscle stiffness resulted in the greatest probability of sustaining an injury. Findings demonstrated the importance of both an interdisciplinary approach and a repeated measures design to furthering our understanding of the relationship between stress-related markers and injury occurrence.

Behavioral Immune System Responses to Coronavirus: A Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Explanation of Conformity, Warmth Toward Others and Attitudes Toward Lockdown

Behavioral immune system (BIS) describes psychological mechanisms that detect cues to infectious pathogens in the immediate environment, trigger disease-relevant responses and facilitate behavioral avoidance/escape. BIS activation elicits a perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD) which can result in conformity with social norms. However, a response to superficial cues can result in aversive responses to people that pose no actual threat, leading to an aversion to unfamiliar others, and likelihood of prejudice. Pathogen-neutralizing behaviors, therefore, have implications for social interaction as well as illness behaviors and responses to health communications. In this study, we investigate how PVD influences conformity, attitudes to other people and to lockdown regulations through the lens of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST). RST describes personality in terms of biologically-driven approach and avoidance motivations which support personal goals. Participants from the United Kingdom public (N = 605) completed an RST personality questionnaire and then read either (a) coronavirus morbidity-mortality statistics and current United Kingdom government lifestyle regulations, (b) just the regulations (as presented in most government publicity materials), or (c) no information at all. They all completed the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease scale to assess BIS-relevant Germ Aversion and Perceived Infectability, followed by questions measuring social conformity, warmth toward others and attitudes toward lockdown measures. Significantly lower PVD scores were observed in the no-information condition, with the other conditions showing no difference. In terms of RST, approach behaviors related to goal-drive persistence work alongside fear in explaining conformity to social norms. Reward related approach behaviors partially explained warmth toward others, indicating that social rewards gained through interaction continue to be strong drivers of behavior. We found no role for RST traits in attitudes toward lockdown. Overall, coronavirus-related behavior is not driven purely by fear, but also by social and/or protection goals regulated by approach motivation. This study presents new insights into public perceptions of coronavirus and government regulated lifestyle restrictions, helping to explain social behaviors in terms of biologically driven mechanisms. Such understanding is vital if we are to successfully motivate public behavior to constrain spread of the virus.

The Psychometric Properties of a Brief Dutch Version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire

Abstract. Introduction: The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) has its roots in the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality. Objectives: This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Dutch translation of the RST-PQ and proposed a brief version. Methods: A sample of 603 Belgian and Dutch adults completed the RST-PQ, and to assess convergent and divergent validity, a subgroup also completed other personality and symptom questionnaires. Results: A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the a priori six-factor structure of the RST-PQ, similar to other translations. However, this model did not satisfy the requirements of an acceptable fit. Therefore, a brief version of the RST-PQ (B-RST-PQ) was developed. In line with the aims of the RST-PQ, a CFA showed an acceptable fit for the six-factor model of the B-RST-PQ. The B-RST-PQ obtained good reliability coefficients of the six scales and high correlations with the original RST-PQ. Conclusion: The B-RST-PQ seems to be a valid and reliable instrument for future research.

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire: Factor Structure Based on CFA and ESEM, and Associations with ADHD

Revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (r-RST) of personality is a major neuropsychological theory of motivation, emotion and personality. This paper presents the results of a study examining: (1) the factor structure of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM); and (2) the relationships of the r-RST constructs in the RST-PQ with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom groups of inattention (IA) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI). A total of 572 (Sample 1) and 309 (Sample 2) adults completed the RST-PQ. Participants in Sample 2 also completed a questionnaire measuring ADHD symptoms. Results revealed more support for the ESEM model with six factors than the CFA model. For both the ESEM and CFA models, both IA and HI symptom groups were associated positively with the RST-PQ constructs of behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral approach system (BAS) Impulsivity, with IA also associated negatively with the BAS-Goal-Drive Persistence. The theoretical implications of these findings for understanding the factor structure of the RST-PQ, and for ADHD (IA and HI) in terms of r-RST, are discussed.

Reinforcement sensitivity theory and mindfulness

Reinforcement sensitivity theory is a neurobiologically-based personality system that is expected to have relations with trait mindfulness, yet a discrete study has not been conducted to examine these constructs. This research is important to learn about the structure of human personality and the knowledge may be useful for clinical interventions. The aim of this research is to discern RST-mindfulness associations with the research question “how does RST predict mindfulness and its components?” The sample were 115 adults from the United States who completed the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire and Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire. It was found that BAS goal-drive persistence predicted mindfulness and its facets, BAS impulsivity negatively predicted the mindfulness facet of act with awareness, BIS negatively predicted mindfulness and its facets, and no relations were found for FFFS. These findings provide clarity on how RST influences mindfulness and targeted interventions may be conducted based on the results.

Reinforcement sensitivity theory and adult attachment: A replication study

This study aimed to replicate Jiang and Tiliopoulos (Personality and Individual Differences, 68, 205–210, 2014) study on reinforcement sensitivity theory and adult attachment using the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised scale. Using a sample of 131 participants, this study was similar to Jiang and Tiliopoulos’s study in finding that the behavioural inhibition system and behavioural approach system (impulsivity) were positively related to attachment anxiety. However, Jiang and Tiliopoulos (Personality and Individual Differences, 68, 205–210, 2014) found the behavioural approach system (reward reactivity) negatively predicted attachment avoidance, whereas no effect was found in the current study. This study also found the behavioural inhibition system predicted attachment avoidance whereas no effect was found in Jiang and Tiliopoulos’s study. The effects that were found across both studies are considered to be robust and more research is needed regarding the differences between the studies.

Resting anxiety increases EEG delta–beta correlation: Relationships with the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality traits

Research has shown that the coupling between slow and fast EEG frequency oscillations reflects cortico-subcortical interaction. Specifically, the between-subject delta-beta amplitude-amplitude correlation is found to increase in some hypothetically anxiogenic conditions. We tested whether cortical-subcortical coupling would increase as a function of decreased delta (theta) or higher beta (gamma) activity. EEG recording was obtained from a group of 59 students during a resting anxiogenic situation (Anxiety) and from another group of 66 during a relaxation situation (Relaxation). Participants filled out the State Anxiety and the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire. Between-subjects cross-frequency correlations were calculated between power values in the delta (theta) and beta (gamma) frequency bands and compared between Anxiety and Relaxation groups. A significant positive between-subject delta-beta correlation was observed in the resting Anxiety, and this association was significantly higher than that observed in the Relaxation group. In the Anxiety, but not Relaxation group, we observed a delta-beta coupling for the low delta activity. In the Anxiety group, BIS trait was significantly associated with higher strength of within-subject delta-beta coupling, while in the Relaxation group BIS was positively associated with delta-theta coupling. Interesting, in both resting Anxiety and Relaxation groups, BAS-GDP was positively associated with higher delta-gamma coupling.

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and Problem Gambling in a General Population Sample.

This study examined the impact of revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (r-RST) on two measures of problem gambling. Using 112 general population adult participants, two measures of r-RST, the reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality questionnaire (RST-PQ) and Jackson 5, were used to predict problem gambling operationalised using the South Oaks Gambling Screen and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Hypotheses were that the behavioural approach system (BAS) would positively predict problem gambling and the behavioural inhibition system (BIS) would negatively predict problem gambling. Results found that the BIS negatively predicted problem gambling. The RST-PQ BAS reward reactivity subscale positively predicted problem gambling using the IGT. These findings add to the operational understanding of the r-RST personality model, its relationships to avoidance and approach behaviour in response to reward and punishment, and to understanding the aetiology of problem gambling.

At Long Last – A Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Explanation of Procrastination

Abstract. Procrastination can result in poor wellbeing and performance in academia and the workplace. The present study combined personality and motivational explanations by examining procrastination through the lens of Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), which assumes that personality traits are underpinned by basic systems of approach and avoidance motivation. Students ( N = 336; Mage = 21.34) and non-students ( N = 187; Mage = 37.98) completed the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ), measures of unintentional and general procrastination and, for students only, a measure of academic procrastination. In both samples, high impulsivity and high Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) activation was associated with reports of general procrastination. In students, high Reward Reactivity (RR) was additionally associated with Unintentional Procrastination (UP), while low Goal-drive Persistence was associated with all forms of procrastination. These data suggest a role for both approach and avoidance motivations in procrastination. Results are discussed in terms of RST and implications for intervention.