Gray's biopsychological theory of personality

J. A. Gray's biopsychological theory of personality hypothesizes two systems controlling behavioral activity, the Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) and the Behavioural Activation System (BAS).[1][2] The BIS is thought to be related to sensitivity to punishment as well as avoidance motivation, while the BAS is thought to be related to sensitivity to reward as well as approach motivation.

Using psychological test scales designed to correlate with the attributes of these hypothesized systems, neuroticism has been found to be positively correlated with the BIS scale, and negatively correlated with the BAS scale.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ Gray, J.A. (1981). A critique of Eysenck's theory of personality, In H.J. Eysenck (Ed.) A model for personality (pp 246–276)
  2. ^ Gray, J.A. (1982). The neuropsychology of anxiety: An enquiry into the functions of the septo-hippocampal system.
  3. ^ Boksema, M.A.S, Topsa, M., Westera, A.E., Meijmana, T.F. & Lorist, M.M. (June 2006). "Error-related ERP components and individual differences in punishment and reward sensitivity". Brain Research 1101 (1): 92–101. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2006.05.004. PMID 16784728. 
  4. ^ Carver, C.S. & White, T.L. (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. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.67.2.319.