The relationship between reward and punishment sensitivity and antisocial behavior in male adolescents

The study examined the relation between reward and punishment sensitivity and antisocial behavior (ASB) in male adolescents. We compared Behavioral Inhibition/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS) Scale scores in adolescent male offenders (n = 85) and non-offenders (n = 50), and explored the relation between BIS/BAS and measures associated with ASB (psychopathy, conduct problems and alcohol use) within the whole group of adolescents, and offending frequency in the offenders. Between group analyses indicated heightened BAS (reward sensitivity; specifically the drive to seek rewards) and lowered BIS (punishment sensitivity) in the offenders compared to the non-offenders. Regression analyses indicated that traits associated with reward seeking (BAS Drive and/or Fun Seeking) positively predicted psychopathic traits, conduct problems and alcohol use. In contrast, response to reward (BAS Reward Responsiveness) was negatively associated with psychopathy and conduct problems. Reduced punishment sensitivity (BIS) was associated with psychopathy only. The findings suggest that BAS reward traits are useful in understanding ASB and emphasize the importance of examining dimensions of reward processing in relation to different aspects of ASB in adolescents.