ReviewA comparison of revised reinforcement sensitivity theory with other contemporary personality models

- A strong basic model of personality is available in r-RST.
- We advocate that r-RST can be used to evaluate other personality models.
- Most personality systems are conflations of r-RST domains or lack comprehensiveness.
- Work, clinical, educational, and other domains could benefit from using r-RST.

Gray and McNaughton's revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (r-RST) is unique among personality models because it is based on contemporary neuroscience and animal learning. We advocate r-RST provides a basis through which to compare strengths and weaknesses of other biologically-based personality models. We compare r-RST to Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking and Jackson's Hybrid Model of Learning in Personality (HMLP), Elliot and Thrash's Approach and Avoidance Temperament Model (AATM), and Cloninger's Psychobiological Model of Temperament and Character (PMTC). We highlight that most modern models conflate or under-represent systems of r-RST despite possessing other admirable qualities. We think r-RST could be more widely used as a strong basic model of temperament with applications across work, clinical, educational, and other domains.