Approach, avoidance, and psychopathology: Clarifying the relations between BIS/BAS sensitivity and socio-emotional functioning in childhood

Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory posits different brain systems that regulate approach and avoidance motivations and behaviours. The Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) has been hypothesized as the neurological basis of anxiety. The Behavioural Activation System (BAS) is sensitive to rewards and is thought to be responsible for approach behaviours. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between BIS, BAS, and internalizing problems in childhood. Participants were 396 children (aged 9 to 13) from elementary schools in Ottawa. Children participated in two testing sessions, completing an assessment of BIS/BAS sensitivity, as well as internalizing problems. Parents also rated child internalizing and externalizing problems. Among the results, it was found that BIS sensitivity was positively related to depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and negatively related to perceived self-concept. BIS sensitivity also predicted parent-report emotional problems, and negatively predicted externalizing problems. BAS sensitivity, however, was not related to any of the measures.