Gray’s reinforcement sensitivity theory. The two biological systems in this theory are BIS (behavior inhibition system) and BAS (behavioral activation system). The BIS system responds to new situations and also punishable situations. One’s that have high sensitivity to this system are “prone to anxiety, always alert and worried that something bad will happen.” (Friedman, H. & Schustack, M. 2012) The second system, BAS, controls how we respond to a reward. If this system is over sensitive a person will become impulsive and looking for rewards around every corner. This system also allows us to enjoy rewarding experiences such as eating a delicious hamburger. (Friedman, H. & Schustack, M., 2012) These two systems have an impact on a one’s personality in that a person that has high anxiety (high BIS) may exhibit caution when choosing a seat at an airport, avoiding the intimidating looking woman in the corner or the angry looking man at the counter out of self-preservation and possibly conflict avoidance. This display would give off the impression of antisocial or loner personality. On the other hand, a person with an impulsive personality (high BAS) may see an eccentric looking individual with loud clothes and no luggage and proceed to interact with them to possibly start an intriguing conversation that may lead to some adventure. This gives the impression of an outgoing personality when they are just looking for the rewards in everything. According to a study done by Cooper, Gomez, and Buck the BIS and BAS systems also relate to anger. High BAS individuals will feel anger or frustration when rewards are out of reach or the time it is taking to get to the reward is taking much longer than desired. It also showed that high BIS has a tendency for holding in anger or showing self-aggression. (Cooper A., Gomez R., & Buck E. 2008) This study went into way more depth with deeper definitions of BIS and BAS (example: BIS-Drive, BAS-Fun Seeking, etc.) as well as using the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) for the experiment. References: Cooper A., Gomez R., & Buck E. (2008) The relationships between the BIS and BAS, anger and responses to anger; Personality and Individual Differences; Volume 44, Issue 2, Pages 403–413 Friedman, H. & Schustack, M. (2012). Personality: Classic theories and modern research (5th ed.). NY: Pearson. Please respond to the above statements throughout the above, in agreement or in disagreement and detailing why.
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