Abstract
J. A. Gray (1981, 1982) holds that 2 general motivational systems underlie behavior and affect: a behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and a behavioral activation system (BAS). Self-report scales to assess dispositional BIS and BAS sensitivities were created. Scale development (Study 1) and convergent and discriminant validity in the form of correlations with alternative measures are reported (Study 2). In Study 3, a situation in which Ss anticipated a punishment was created. Controlling for initial nervousness, Ss high in BIS sensitivity (assessed earlier) were more nervous than those low in BIS sensitivity. In Study 4, a situation in which Ss anticipated a reward was created. Controlling for initial happiness, Ss high in BAS sensitivity (Reward Responsiveness and Drive scales) were happier than those low in BAS sensitivity. In each case the new scales predicted better than an alternative measure. Discussion is focused on conceptual implications.
Keywords
Punishment (psychology)PsychologyBehavioral activationBehavioral inhibitionSocial psychologyCognitionNeuroscience
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Publication Info
- Year
- 1994
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 67
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 319-333
- Citations
- 6872
- Access
- Closed
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Cite This
Charles S. Carver,
Teri L. White
(1994).
Behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and affective responses to impending reward and punishment: The BIS/BAS Scales..
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
, 67
(2)
, 319-333.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.2.319
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1037/0022-3514.67.2.319