Original and revised reinforcement sensitivity theory in the prediction of executive functioning: A test of relationships between dual systems

• We determine if RST predicts objective measures of executive functioning.
• We find Flight inversely predicts executive functioning.
• This relationship has survival benefit.
• Findings support the dual process structural model of personality.

Executive functioning relates to cognitive processes that are effortful and controlled, whereas processes underlying personality are assumed to be routine and automatic (Elliot and Thrash, 2002 and Elliot and Thrash, 2010). We evaluated potential influences between these dual systems by examining the link between executive functioning and biologically based personality measures associated with original reinforcement sensitivity theory (o-RST) and revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (r-RST). Results showed that flight (a tendency to commit to poorly planned, escape behavior) negatively predicted executive functioning. We find partial support for the general hypothesis of links between the dual systems. Generally, r-RST was a better predictor of executive functioning than o-RST. The proposed structure of the r-RST measurement model was confirmed.