Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and emotion regulation difficulties: A multimodal investigation

This study examined associations between BIS–FFFS, BAS dimensions, and emotion regulation (ER) assessed across self-report and behavioral domains among 101 adults. Findings revealed significant associations among the various ER assessments, as well as between ER and BIS–FFFS and BAS dimensions. As expected, BIS–FFFS was positively associated with self-reported ER difficulties, and, among women, BIS–FFFS was negatively associated with a behavioral measure of ER assessing the willingness to experience distress in order to pursue goal-directed behavior. BAS had a more complex association with ER, with certain BAS dimensions (e.g., Drive among women, Fun-Seeking) demonstrating unique positive associations with adaptive ER and other dimensions demonstrating negative associations with adaptive ER. Findings suggest the relevance of individual variations in BIS–FFFS and BAS to ER difficulties, as well as potential pathways through which sensitivity to punishment and reward may contribute to psychopathology.