BIS/BAS

What is the BIS/BAS?

The behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) are central components of Gray’s (1978) reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST), a framework for understanding personality and emotional responses based on sensitivity to rewards and punishments. These systems are theorized to regulate behavior and emotions by responding to different environmental stimuli, particularly incentives and threats.

Behavioral activation system

The BAS is associated with sensitivity to rewards and incentives. It motivates individuals to approach goals, pursue rewards, and engage in behaviors that lead to positive outcomes. BAS activity is linked to positive emotions, such as hope and excitement, and is considered a key driver of approach-oriented behaviors. According to the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (Gray & McNaughton, 2000), the BAS responds to both conditioned (learned) and unconditioned (innate) incentives, suggesting it plays a role in seeking out opportunities for reward, whether these are familiar or novel.

Behavioral inhibition system

The BIS, on the other hand, is sensitive to conflict and potential punishment. It is activated in situations involving conflicting motivations, such as when competing approaches and avoidance cues are present. The BIS is not solely triggered by threats or aversive stimuli but also by the need to resolve conflicts between goals, especially when both rewards and punishments are present. BIS activation is linked to feelings of anxiety and cautious behavior as the system works to manage risk and resolve uncertainties in the environment.

The Behavioral Activation and Behavioral Inhibition Scales

Carver and White (1994) developed the BIS/BAS scales to measure the fundamental components of Gray's reinforcement sensitivity theory. These scales assess individual differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment, which are central to the BAS and BIS. The scales have become widely used for evaluating BIS/BAS reactivity in clinical and non-clinical populations.

The BIS/BAS scales consist of a four-factor model:

1. BIS or punishment sensitivity scale: Measures sensitivity to punishment and conflict, reflecting tendencies toward caution, anxiety, and avoidance in uncertain or risky situations.
2. Reward responsiveness: A BAS subscale that evaluates positive reactions to the expectation or occurrence of rewards.
3. Drive: Another BAS subscale, assessing the persistent pursuit of goals, even facing challenges.
4. Fun seeking: The third BAS subscale, measuring a spontaneous willingness to approach potential reward situations on impulse.

These scales have been employed successfully in clinical populations (Claes et al., 2006; Scholten et al., 2006) as well as healthy individuals (Jones and Day, 2008).

How to use our BIS/BAS template

The BIS/BAS template contains Carver and White's (1994) Behavioral Activation and Behavioral Inhibition Scales, designed to assess individual differences in behavioral inhibition and activation. To use the template, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the template

Access the BIS/BAS template by clicking the "Use template" button. This lets you customize the scales via the Carepatron app. For a PDF version, choose "Download."

Step 2: Give your client a copy

Provide your client with a copy of the BIS/BAS scales, ensuring they understand the purpose of the assessment. Explain that the scales are designed to evaluate their sensitivity to punishment and reward.

Step 3: Review the completed scales

Review their responses once the client has completed the BIS/BAS scales. Use the scoring guide provided in the template to calculate their scores for each subscale: BIS, BAS reward responsiveness, BAS drive, and BAS fun seeking.

Step 4: Interpret the results

Analyze the scores to measure behavioral inhibition and BAS sensitivity. High BIS scores indicate a stronger response to punishment or conflict, while high BAS scores suggest increased sensitivity to rewards and goal-oriented behaviors. Discuss these results with the client to provide insights into their behavioral tendencies and how these might influence their decisions and emotional regulation.

Scoring

The BIS/BAS scales are scored by summing the responses to specific items designed to measure sensitivity to punishment (BIS) and reward (BAS). Items 1 and 18 are reverse-scored to ensure accurate measurement. The scales yield four primary subscales:

BIS or punishment sensitivity scale

This subscale measures reactions to the anticipation of punishment, capturing an individual’s sensitivity to negative outcomes or potential conflict. It includes items 1, 6, 10, 13, 15, 18, and 20, with items 1 and 18 being reverse scored. A high score on this scale indicates heightened sensitivity to punishment, leading to cautious or avoidance behaviors.

BAS reward responsiveness

This subscale focuses on positive responses to the occurrence or anticipation of rewards, reflecting the ability to experience pleasure and satisfaction from positive reinforcement. This scale includes items 3, 5, 11, 14, and 19. High scores indicate a strong capacity to respond to rewarding stimuli with positive emotions.

BAS drive

The subscale assesses persistence and determination in pursuing desired goals, even facing challenges. It is composed of items 2, 7, 9, and 17. Higher scores suggest a goal-oriented mindset and strong motivation to achieve objectives.

BAS fun seeking

This subscale reflects a desire for new rewards and a willingness to approach potentially rewarding events impulsively. This scale includes items 4, 8, 12, and 16. Individuals with high scores are characterized by their spontaneity and eagerness to seek new opportunities for reward.

Next steps after using this assessment

After completing the BIS/BAS assessment, the following steps involve interpreting the results to measure behavioral inhibition and activation. The BIS score provides insight into an individual’s sensitivity to punishment and conflict, while the BAS subscales—reward responsiveness, drive, and fun seeking—highlight tendencies toward pursuing rewards and goal-directed behavior.

Results can be analyzed for patterns, such as a positive correlation between high BIS scores and anxiety, caution, or avoidance behaviors. Similarly, high BAS scores may positively correlate with traits like motivation, impulsivity, or reward sensitivity. These correlations can help understand how individuals respond to reinforcement and their predispositions in different environments.

You can use this information to design targeted interventions or strategies to support individuals based on their BIS/BAS profiles. For example, individuals with high behavioral inhibition may benefit from approaches that reduce conflict sensitivity or promote resilience in the face of perceived threats. On the other hand, those with high BAS scores can be encouraged to channel their reward-seeking tendencies into productive and goal-oriented activities.

References

Carver, C. & White, T. (1994). Behavioral Inhibition, Behavioral Activation, and affective response to impending reward and punishment: The BIS/BAS Scales. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(2), 319-333.

Claes, L., Nederkoorn, C., Vandereycken, W., Guerrieri, R., and Vertommen, H. (2006). Impulsiveness and lack of inhibitory control in eating disorders. Eat. Behav. 7, 196–203. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2006.05.001

Gray, J. A. (1978). The neuropsychology of anxiety*. British Journal of Psychology, 69(4), 417–434. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8295.1978.tb02118.x

Gray, J.A. and McNaughton, N. (2000) The neuropsychology of anxiety: An enquiry into the functions of the septo-hippocampal system. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Jones, S., and Day, C. (2008). Self appraisal and behavioural activation in the prediction of hypomanic personality and depressive symptoms. Pers. Individ. Differ. 45, 643–648. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2008.07.008

Scholten, M. R. M., van Honk, J., Aleman, A., and Kahn, R. S. (2006). Behavioral inhibition system (BIS), Behavioral activation system (BAS) and schizophrenia: relationship with psychopathology and physiology. J. Psychiatr. Res. 40, 638–645. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2006.03.005