Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and emotion regulation difficulties: A multimodal investigation

This study examined associations between BIS-FFFS, BAS dimensions, and emotion regulation (ER) assessed across self-report and behavioral domains among 101 adults. Findings revealed significant associations among the various ER assessments, as well as between ER and BIS-FFFS and BAS dimensions. As expected, BIS-FFFS was positively associated with self-reported ER difficulties, and, among women, BIS-FFFS was negatively associated with a behavioral measure of ER assessing the willingness to experience distress in order to pursue goal-directed behavior. BAS had a more complex association with ER, with certain BAS dimensions (e.g., Drive among women, Fun-Seeking) demonstrating unique positive associations with adaptive ER and other dimensions demonstrating negative associations with adaptive ER. Findings suggest the relevance of individual variations in BIS-FFFS and BAS to ER difficulties, as well as potential pathways through which sensitivity to punishment and reward may contribute to psychopathology.