Relations of behavioral inhibition and activation system sensitivities with vaccination outcomes: Investigating the mediating role of vaccine hesitancy in older adults

The study of behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) sensitivities has produced a multitude of models and frameworks to better understand decision-making and behavior. We extend this research to the study of a vaccination by exploring the relation of BIS and BAS sensitivities with vaccination willingness, receipt, and word-of-mouth. We also assess whether dimensions of vaccine hesitancy mediate these relations, testing whether they are viable explanatory mechanisms. By conducting a multi-wave survey study, our results support that BIS sensitivity does not meaningfully relate to vaccine hesitancy or vaccination outcomes. On the other hand, BAS sensitivity related to detrimental vaccination outcomes, and these effects were mediated by vaccine hesitancy dimensions associated with perceptions that vaccines cause health risks and are not needed for healthy individuals. Based on extant BIS and BAS theory, these results suggest that certain people may see refraining from vaccination as a nonpunishment.

Comparison of behavioral activation/inhibition systems, emotional regulation difficulties, and selective attention in adolescents with and without parents

Existing literature has established a relationship between adverse childhood experiences and negative outcomes in cognitive and affective functioning. However, further research is needed to thoroughly understand and validate these findings. In this regard, the current study aimed to compare behavioral activation/inhibition systems, emotional regulation difficulties, and selective attention in adolescents with and without parents. A sample of 70 adolescents (M age = 16.36, SD = 1.09, 48.57% female) with caretakers from schools and 55 parentless adolescents (M age = 16.58, SD = 1.28, 52.00% female) from orphanage centers in Tehran were recruited and completed the measures tapping behavioral activation/inhibition systems, emotion dysregulation difficulties, and selective attention. The results revealed that parentless adolescents exhibited significantly higher levels of behavioral activation/inhibition scores, emotion regulation difficulties, and impaired selective attention. These findings suggest that the absence of parents during the early years of life may have detrimental effects on behavioral inhibition and activation systems, emotional regulation abilities, and selective attention capabilities. The implications of these findings are further discussed.

Dispositional mindfulness and BIS/BAS up-close: can the self-regulation of people be seen in the eyes?

Introduction

Pigmentation in animal models is related to behavioral regulation and development, suggesting that both may belong to the same biological system. However, such models are poorly documented in humans. The current study explored personality and group differences in self-regulation among healthy subjects and their specific eye structures (contraction furrows and pigment spots). Three objectives were proposed: to analyze statistical differences in dispositional mindfulness (DM), behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and behavioral approach system (BAS) among subjects with a specific iris type of contraction furrows and pigment spots.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 194 university students. One month after taking photographs of their eyes, the students completed the online scales of DM, BIS, and BAS.

Results

DM was negatively related to pigment spots (rs = -0.193; p < 0.01). Cluster analysis of the iris structures converged at a four-cluster solution. The cluster types 2 (absence of pigment spots and contraction furrows extending 8/10 of iris circle or more) and 3 (one or more pigment spots and contraction furrows extending 8/10 of iris circle or more) significantly differed in DM with a small effect size (F = 3.37; p = 0.021; η2 = 0.051). Participants with contraction furrows (8/10 or more circle extent) and without pigment spots had a significantly higher DM than those with pigment spots. No significant differences existed among the iris types in BIS/BAS.

Discussion

Future research directions are suggested.

Dysfunctional Metacognitive Beliefs, Experiential Avoidance,and Behavioral Inhibition System in Depressive Disorder

Background

Dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs form the basis of the formation and maintenance of psychopathologies. In our study, we planned to examine the common aspects of the concepts of dysfunctional metacognition, experiential avoidance, and behavioral inhibition system in depressed patients compared to healthy individuals and their effects on each other.

Methods

Fifty-five depressed patients and as a control group 54 healthy volunteers participated in the study. Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Metacognitions Questionnaire 30, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II, and Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation Scale were used in the study.

Results

Median (minimum-maximum) Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II score was 9 (7-35) points in the control group and 30 (9-46) points in the depressed patient group (P < .001). A statistically significant difference between the groups was observed only in the Behavioral Activation Scale-reward responsiveness subscale, with 20 (14-30) points in the control group and 23 (13-36) points in the patient group. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in all Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 subscale scores (P < .001). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between depression scores and experiential avoidance (r = 0.751; P < .001), reward responsiveness (r = 0.329; P < .001) and metacognition subscale scores. In addition, a positive correlation was found between experiential avoidance and metacognition subscale scores (P < .001).

Conclusion

The data we obtained support the fact that as the severity of depression increases, the patients more strongly stick to dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, exert more frequently experiential avoidance and less often impulsive behaviors. Considering these clinical features may contribute favorably to the individualized psychotherapy process.

Personality and Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems in Behavioral Addiction: Analysis of Binge-Watching

Binge-watching (BW) refers to a pattern of watching TV series characterized by the consecutive viewing of three or more episodes in one sitting. Although there is some evidence about its effects on mental health, little is known about predictive variables which may affect negative occurrences of BW, such as problematic and addictive behavior. This study aimed to assess the unique contribution of personality traits (i.e., neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness) to binge-watching, while also considering the role of two motivational systems: the behavioral inhibition system and the behavioral activation system. Cross-sectional data from 790 respondents were collected using standardized questionnaires evaluating: BW, personality traits, and the behavioral inhibition/activation system. The possible predictive roles of these variables were tested via hierarchical linear regression models. Our results underline a predictive high-risk role of neuroticism and the behavioral inhibition system and a protective role of conscientiousness in the continuum of BW from a leisure activity to a problematic one.

Effects of the Interaction between Affective Temperaments and BIS/BAS on Depressive Symptoms in Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder

Depressive symptoms (DepS) associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) are influenced by affective temperaments (ATs), behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and behavioral activation system (BAS). However, the effect of interactions between ATs and BIS/BAS on DepS in MDD remains poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of these interactions. The Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A), BIS/BAS questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate ATs, BIS/BAS, and DepS, respectively, in 90 participants with MDD. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis to assess the interaction effect. The interaction (β = 0.199, p < 0.05) between depressive temperament (DepT) (β = 0.319, p < 0.01) and BIS scores (β = 0.300, p < 0.01) exhibited a significant positive effect on DepS (ΔR² = 0.038, p < 0.05). However, the interaction between ATs and BAS scores did not exhibit a significant effect on DepS. Our findings suggest that interactions between BIS sensitivity and DepT worsen DepS in individuals with MDD. Hence, to manage DepS associated with BIS sensitivity and DepT, evaluating their interaction may be useful in daily clinical practice. This study presents important insights into MDD psychopathology.

The roles of behavioral inhibition/activation systems and impulsivity in problematic smartphone use: A network analysis

Background

Behavioral inhibition/activation systems (BIS/BAS) and impulsivity are associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU). However, no studies to date have explored how the subdomains of BIS/BAS and the dimensions of impulsivity relate to the components of PSU in a joint framework. This study aimed to examine the relationships between the three constructs at a fine-grained level and identify the central nodes and bridge nodes of their relationships using network analysis.

Methods

A regularized partial correlation network of PSU, BIS/BAS, and impulsivity communities was estimated to investigate the connections between variables and determine the expected influence and bridge expected influence for each variable based on data from 325 Chinese adults. PSU, BIS/BAS, and impulsivity were assessed using the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), BIS/BAS scales, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Version 11 (BIS-11), respectively.

Results

In addition to connections within each community, network analysis revealed that there were connections between different communities, especially connections to PSU. I2 "motor impulsivity" was strongly associated with PSU2 "conflict" and PSU6 "relapse"; BASR "BAS-reward responsiveness" was strongly associated with PSU5 "withdrawal." Nodes BASR "BAS-reward responsiveness" and PSU6 "relapse" were the most central variables, while nodes BASR "BAS-reward responsiveness" and I2 "motor impulsivity" were the strongest bridge variables.

Conclusion

The connections between the subdomains of BIS/BAS and the components of PSU and between the dimensions of impulsivity and the components of PSU may be particularly important in the development and maintenance of PSU. The central variables identified here, along with the bridge variables, could be promising and effective targets for the prevention and intervention of PSU.

The mediating role of alexithymia and cognitive flexibility in the relationship between behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system and depression in Turkish population

This study aims to examine the relationships between the behavioral inhibition system (BIS)/behavioral activation system (BAS), depression, cognitive flexibility, and alexithymia, and to determine the mediator role of cognitive flexibility and alexithymia in the relationship between BIS/BAS and depression. Data were collected from a community sample, consisting of 1,275 people, 904 women (70.90%) and 371 (29.10%) men, aged 18-65 years. It was detected that the whole variables in this research were interrelated. Additionally, for the mediation analyses, two significant models in which were determined the mediator role of cognitive flexibility and alexithymia in the relationship between the dimensions of BIS-Fear and BAS-Reward and depression were created. Consequently, high BIS-Fear and low BAS-Reward were associated with susceptibility to depression through decreased cognitive flexibility and increased alexithymia. Moreover, it may be possible to identify which subdimensions of alexithymia and cognitive flexibility play a role in the relationship between depression and reward/punishment systems and which of these are risk factors via the models tested in this study. In this way, clinical interventions for the factors that are both associated with depressive symptoms and mediators for depression can be planned and this can help to achieve effective results in the therapy process.

The Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation in BIS/BAS Sensitivities, Depression, and Anxiety Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in China

Background

The behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS), which primarily underlie emotions and behaviors, are associated with depression and anxiety. However, the reasons behind these associations require further exploration.

Objective

This study aims to examine the mediating effects of cognitive emotion regulation between BIS/BAS and depression/anxiety among community-dwelling elderly Chinese.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 836 elderly individuals. Structural equation modeling was used to determine relationships among BIS/BAS, cognitive emotion regulation, and depression/anxiety.

Results

Participants reporting higher BIS sensitivity were more likely to use maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, which were in turn associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. BAS sensitivity was more likely to lead to adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, which resulted in lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that incorporating emotional regulation in interventions targeting BIS/BAS sensitivities may enhance the accuracy and efficiency of these treatments for depression and anxiety.

Interaction Effects of Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System and Cost/Probability Biases on Social Anxiety

Introduction

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms are maintained by cognitive biases, which are overestimations of the severity and likelihood of negative social events (cost/probability biases), and by sensitivity to rewards and punishments that are determined according to behavioral inhibition/behavioral activation systems (BIS/BAS). Cost/probability biases might activate the behavioral immune system and exacerbate the avoidance of social events. Earlier studies have proposed that low BIS or high BAS decrease SAD symptoms; BIS/BAS may even change the effects of cognitive biases on SAD symptoms. Hence, the current study investigates the interaction effects of BIS/BAS and cost/probability biases on SAD symptoms.

Method

Seventy-six Japanese undergraduate students completed the Japanese version of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), which comprises Fear and Avoidance subscales, the BIS/BAS Scale, and the Social Cost Probability Scale.

Results

A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine whether cost/probability biases, BIS/BAS, and their interactions affected SAD symptoms; following this, the main effects of cost bias and BIS were determined for LSAS-Fear (β = 0.64, p < 0.001; β = 0.33, p < 0.01) and LSAS-Avoidance (β = 0.49, p < 0.001; β = 0.35, p < 0.01). The interaction effect between cost bias and BAS was significant for LSAS-Avoidance (β = -0.32, p < 0.05). Simple slope analysis showed that the slope of cost bias was significant for low-BAS individuals (β = 0.77, p < 0.001) but not for high-BAS individuals (β = -0.21, n.s.). The interaction effect between probability bias and BAS was significant for LSAS-Avoidance (β = 0.40, p < 0.01) as well. Further, simple slope analysis revealed that the slope of probability bias was significant for low-BAS individuals (β = -0.53, p < 0.05) but not for high-BAS individuals (β = 0.17, n.s.).

Discussion

The study found interesting results with respect to the avoidance of social events. Low-BAS individuals with high cost or low probability biases regarding social events may have a tendency to avoid social events. In contrast, if high-BAS individuals overestimate the cost of social events or underestimate the probability of social events, their anticipation of rewards might prevent them from avoiding social events.

Changes of EEG band oscillations to tonic cold pain and the behavioral inhibition and fight-flight-freeze systems

Using electroencephalography (EEG) power measures within conventional delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands, the aims of the current study were to highlight cortical correlates of subjective perception of cold pain (CP) and the associations of these measures with behavioral inhibition system (BIS), fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS), and behavioral approach system personality traits. EEG was recorded in 55 healthy right-handed women under (i) a white noise interruption detection condition (Baseline); (ii) enduring CP induced by the cold cup test. CP and Baseline EEG band power scores within conventional frequency bands served for covariance analyses. We found that: (1) higher Pain scorers had higher EEG beta power changes at left frontal, midline central, posterior temporal leads; (2) higher BIS was associated with greater EEG delta activity changes at parietal scalp regions; (3) higher FFFS was associated with higher EEG delta activity changes at temporal and left-parietal regions, and with lower EEG gamma activity changes at right parietal regions. High FFFS, compared to Low FFFS scorers, also showed a lower gamma power across the midline, posterior temporal, and parietal regions. Results suggest a functional role of higher EEG beta activity in the subjective perception of tonic pain. EEG delta activity underpins conflict resolution system responsible for passive avoidance control of pain, while higher EEG delta and lower EEG gamma activity changes, taken together, underpin active avoidance system responsible for pain escape behavior.

Threat sensitivity and fear of cancer recurrence: a daily diary study of reactivity and recovery as patients and spouses face the first mammogram post-diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a top concern of breast cancer (BC) survivors and their spouses, yet little is known about responses to FCR triggers in daily life. We examined whether a biologically based individual difference-threat sensitivity-predicted FCR in couples facing the first post-diagnosis mammogram (MMG). We hypothesized that threat sensitivity would predict greater FCR reactivity before the MMG and higher peak FCR on the MMG day, controlling for global anxiety. We also explored the link between threat sensitivity and FCR recovery after MMG.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

Fifty-seven early-stage BC patients and their spouses completed cross-sectional measures of threat sensitivity and global anxiety. Couples then reported daily FCR during a 3-week diary period that began 2 weeks before the patient's MMG appointment.

METHODS

Multilevel actor-partner interdependence modeling was used to estimate within-person random slopes of FCR before (reactivity) and after (recovery) the MMG. Random intercepts captured individual differences in peak FCR on the MMG day. Patient and spouse threat sensitivity and anxiety were entered as predictors of reactivity, peak, and recovery.

FINDINGS

FCR increased leading to MMG; however, inconsistent with hypotheses, this reactivity was not significantly predicted by threat sensitivity. Actor, but not partner, effects for peak FCR emerged, such that patients and spouses with greater threat sensitivity had greater FCR on the MMG day. FCR decreased after the MMG, and spouse, but not patient, threat sensitivity predicted slower recovery for both partners.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings lend preliminary support for the role of threat sensitivity in the experience of FCR as couples confront threatening events in BC survivorship. Implications for psychosocial providers: MMGs can be a triggering event for couples. Threat sensitivity may help identify those who are likely to experience elevations in FCR during this stressful period.

Correlations of Internet Addiction Severity With Reinforcement Sensitivity and Frustration Intolerance in Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The Moderating Effect of Medications

Background: Deviations in reinforcement sensitivity and frustration-related reactions have been proposed as components of the biopsychosocial mechanisms, which explained the high vulnerability to internet addiction (IA) among individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is currently limited knowledge on the relationship of IA symptoms with reinforcement sensitivity and frustration intolerance, as well as factors moderating those correlations in this population. Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to examine the associations of IA symptoms severity with reinforcement sensitivity and frustration intolerance and (2) identify the moderators of these associations among adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 300 adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years who had been diagnosed with ADHD participated in this study. Their levels of IA severity, reinforcement sensitivity, and frustration intolerance were assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale, behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral approach system (BAS), and Frustration Discomfort Scale, respectively. The associations of IA severity with reinforcement sensitivity and frustration intolerance were examined using multiple regression analysis. Possible moderators, including medications for ADHD, were tested using the standard criteria. Results: Higher fun seeking on the BAS (p = .003) and higher frustration intolerance (p = .003) were associated with more severe IA symptoms. Receiving medication for treating ADHD moderated the association between fun seeking on the BAS and severity of IA symptoms. Conclusion: Fun seeking on the BAS and frustration intolerance should be considered as targets in prevention and intervention programs for IA among adolescents with ADHD.

Regulatory control and impulsivity relate to resting frontal activity

Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) asserts three core personality systems: the behavioral approach system (BAS), the fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS) and the revised behavioral inhibition system (r-BIS). Past models of frontal activity link greater relative left frontal activity with Carver and White’s (1994) BAS scale and trait impulsivity and greater relative right frontal activity with Carver and White’s (1994) BIS scale. However, the original BIS scale assesses both FFFS and r-BIS. Past work linking the BIS scale and right frontal activity does not indicate which system is related to right frontal activity. The current study (n = 182) examined frontal asymmetric activity with personality traits associated with approach (BAS), withdrawal (FFFS-Fear), behavioral inhibition (BIS-Anxiety) and impulsivity (UPPS-P). Resting frontal cortical activity was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG), and the traditional alpha band was examined. Greater BIS-Anxiety related to greater relative right frontal activity. Impulsivity related to less relative right frontal activity. BAS and FFFS-Fear (approach and withdrawal motivation) did not relate to asymmetric frontal activity. Regulatory control processes associated with r-BIS and impulsivity, rather than withdrawal motivation associated with FFFS, may be more closely related to right frontal activity.

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.

Avoidance of Novelty Contributes to the Uncanny Valley

A hypothesis suggests that objects with a high degree of visual similarity to real humans trigger negative impressions (i.e., the uncanny valley). Previous studies have suggested that difficulty in object categorization elicits negative emotional reactions to enable the avoidance of potential threats. The present study further investigated this categorization-difficulty hypothesis. In an experiment, observers categorized morphed images of photographs and human doll faces as "photograph" or "doll" and evaluated the perceived eeriness of the images. Additionally, we asked the observers to answer questionnaires on behavioral inhibition systems (BIS). The results indicated that individual differences in the BIS score were associated with enhanced eeriness in the objects with a specific human likeness. These findings suggest that the tendency to avoid a potentially threatening novel experience contributes to promoting the perceived eeriness of objects with some degree of visual similarity to real humans.

Pubertal development and anxiety risk independently relate to startle habituation during fear conditioning in 8-14 year-old females

Reduced habituation to aversive stimuli has been observed during adolescence and may reflect an underlying mechanism of vulnerability for anxiety disorders. This study examined the startle reflex during a fear-learning task in 54 8-14-year-old girls. We examined the relationship between mean startle, startle habituation, pubertal development, and two measures linked to risk for anxiety: behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and the error-related negativity (ERN). Puberty, BIS, and the ERN were unrelated to mean startle; however, each measure modulated startle habituation. Greater pubertal development was associated with reduced startle habituation across the CS+ and CS-. Higher BIS related to a larger ERN, and both were associated with reduced startle habituation specifically to the CS+. All effects were independent of each other. Findings suggest that puberty alters habituation of defense system activation to both threat and safety cues, and this is independent of risk for anxiety, which uniquely impacts habituation to threat cues.

Effects of Visual Game Experience on Auditory Processing Speed

Games are one of the fastest growing and most exciting forms of entertainment. Whether casual mobile game playing has a cognitive, physiological, or behavioral effect on players whose game use is not pathological is unknown. Here we explored whether preattentive auditory processing is linked to the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) in frequent and infrequent game players. A total of 74 subjects who were enrolled in our study were divided into two groups, 40 subjects were frequent gamers and 34 subjects were age-, gender-, IQ-, and education-matched infrequent gamers. All participants underwent a passive auditory oddball paradigm and completed the behavioral inhibition/behavioral activation system scales. The mismatch negativity (MMN) latency was shorter for the frequent gamers relative to the infrequent gamers, whereas no difference in MMN amplitude was found between groups. MMN amplitude was negatively associated with the degree of behavioral inhibition in the frequent and infrequent gaming group. We also found that those who frequently play games show an enhanced processing speed, which could be an effect of game practice. Greater behavioral inhibition induces increased vigilance, and this may have enhanced the MMN amplitude in the infrequent gamers. This differential pattern of correlations suggests that differences in the BIS could lead to different approaches to auditory information processing.

Inhibition Underlies the Effect of High Need for Closure on Cultural Closed-Mindedness under Mortality Salience

The hypothesis that people respond to reminders of mortality with closed-minded, ethnocentric attitudes has received extensive empirical support, largely from research in the Terror Management Theory (TMT) tradition. However, the basic motivational and neural processes that underlie this effect remain largely hypothetical. According to recent neuropsychological theorizing, mortality salience (MS) effects on cultural closed-mindedness may be mediated by activity in the behavioral inhibition system (BIS), which leads to passive avoidance and decreased approach motivation. This should be especially true for people motivated to avoid unfamiliar and potentially threatening stimuli as reflected in a high need for closure (NFC). In two studies involving moderated mediation analyses, people high on trait NFC responded to MS with increased BIS activity (as indicated by EEG and the line bisection task), which is characteristic of inhibited approach motivation. BIS activity, in turn, predicted a reluctance to explore foreign cultures (Study 1) and generalized ethnocentric attitudes (Study 2). In a third study, inhibition was induced directly and caused an increase in ethnocentrism for people high on NFC. Moreover, the effect of the inhibition manipulation × NFC interaction on ethnocentrism was explained by increases in BIS-related affect (i.e., anxious inhibition) at high NFC. To our knowledge, this research is the first to establish an empirical link between very basic, neurally-instantiated inhibitory processes and rather complex, higher-order manifestations of intergroup negativity in response to MS. Our findings contribute to a fuller understanding of the cultural worldview defense phenomenon by illuminating the motivational underpinnings of cultural closed-mindedness in the wake of existential threat.

Interactive Effects of the BIS and the BAS on Trajectories of Alcohol Misuse after University Graduation

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory predicts that those with a strong behavioral inhibition system (BIS) likely experience considerable anxiety and uncertainty during the transition out of university. Accordingly, they may continue to drink heavily to cope during this time (a period associated with normative reductions in heavy drinking), but only if they also have a strong behavioral approach system (BAS) to enhance the anxiolytic effects of drinking. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis. Participants completed online measures prior to and at 3-month intervals over the course of the year following graduation. As hypothesized, results showed that an elevated BIS predicted impeded maturing out, but only when the impulsivity facet of BAS was also elevated. In contrast, a strong BIS predicted rapid maturing out if BAS impulsivity was weak. Study findings advance our understanding of BIS-related alcohol misuse trajectories in young adulthood and provide direction for clinical interventions.

What shall I be, what must I be: neural correlates of personal goal activation

How is the brain engaged when people are thinking about their hopes, dreams, and obligations? Regulatory focus theory postulates two classes of personal goals and motivational systems for pursuing them. Ideal goals, such as hopes and aspirations, are pursued via the promotion system through "making good things happen." Ought goals, such as obligations or responsibilities, are pursued via the prevention system through "keeping bad things from happening." This study investigated the neural correlates of ideal and ought goal priming using an event-related fMRI design with rapid masked stimulus presentations. We exposed participants to their self-identified ideal and ought goals, yoked-control words and non-words. We also examined correlations between goal-related activation and measures of regulatory focus, behavioral activation/inhibition, and negative affect. Ideal priming led to activation in frontal and occipital regions as well as caudate and thalamus, whereas prevention goal priming was associated with activation in precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex. Individual differences in dysphoric/anxious affect and regulatory focus, but not differences in BAS/BIS strength, were predictive of differential activation in response to goal priming. The regions activated in response to ideal and ought goal priming broadly map onto the cortical midline network that has been shown to index processing of self-referential stimuli. Individual differences in regulatory focus and negative affect impact this network and appeared to influence the strength and accessibility of the promotion and prevention systems. The results support a fundamental distinction between promotion and prevention and extend our understanding of how personal goals influence behavior.