Keough, Matthew T. (2012) Improving the Measurement of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory in Alcohol Misuse: Evidence from a New Laboratory Task. Masters thesis, Concordia University.
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Abstract
Gray’s revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) posits that the behavioural inhibition system (BIS) resolves motivational conflict by allocating resources for approach (behavioural activation system [BAS]) or avoidance (Fight/Flight/Freeze System [FFFS]). Persons with a strong BIS over-attend to threat, leading to elevated anxiety and behavioural ambivalence. The role of elevated BIS in alcohol use is complex, as anxiety may promote self-medication drinking, while attention to threat may be a protective factor. Theory and recent data suggests that a concurrent strong BAS makes the anxiolytic effects of alcohol more salient, biasing BIS conflict towards drinking. Existing laboratory tasks do not measure BIS as a conflict system and therefore, examinations of the complex interplay between the BIS and BAS for understanding alcohol use are limited. This study tested a new laboratory task [Motivational Flanker Task (MFT)] that better reflects the revised BIS and FFFS and used this new measure to test BAS as a moderator of the BIS-alcohol misuse relation. Undergraduates (N=150) completed self-reports of BAS/BIS/FFFS, and alcohol misuse, and completed the MFT and the Point Scoring Reaction Time Task (PSRTT). Results indicated that MFT measurement of BIS motivational conflict was consistent with self-report and PSRTT measures. MFT measurement of BAS (reward responsivity), but not FFFS (punishment sensitivity) was consistent with self-report measures. An elevated BIS was linked to alcohol misuse, but only at high BAS. These results demonstrate that the MFT is a promising measure of the revised BIS. Further, considering the joint effects of BIS and BAS clarified risk for alcohol misuse.
| Divisions: | Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Psychology |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
| Authors: | Keough, Matthew T. |
| Institution: | Concordia University |
| Degree Name: | M.A. |
| Program: | Psychology |
| Date: | 25 April 2012 |
| Thesis Supervisor(s): | O'Connor, Roisin M. |
| ID Code: | 973946 |
| Deposited By: | MATTHEW KEOUGH |
| Deposited On: | 30 Oct 2012 15:24 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2018 17:37 |
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