Mediating Effect of Trait Emotional Intelligence Between the Behavioral Activation System (BAS)/Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Positive and Negative Affect

Abstract

Gray (1970, 1981, 1987) proposed a behavioral motivation theory (Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, RST), which describes the Behavioral Activation/Approach System (BAS) and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS). Some studies relate higher activation of BAS to positive affect, whereas BIS activation is linked to negative affect, particularly to high levels of anxiety and depression. Research data suggests that greater Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) influences optimal development of well-being and psychological adjustment, such as positive affective states. However, a recent study relates the motivational BIS/BAS systems with TEI, showing that high TEI is characterized by sensitivity to reward (BAS), and low TEI due to activation of the BIS system. The aim of this study was to explore how TEI may mediate the relationship between BIS/BAS sensitivity and positive and negative affect. Four-hundred and sixty-seven undergraduate students (385 females) were evaluated. TEI was evaluated with the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS). Affective states were measured with the Positive (PA) and Negative Affect (NA) Schedule, and BIS/BAS sensitivity was measured with The Sensitivity to Punishment (SP) and Sensitivity to Reward (SR) Questionnaire. The results reveal the influence of the two motivational systems on affective states, and show how this relationship is modified by and better explained through TEI. That is, a stronger approach to appetitive stimuli produces more positive affect, but a belief that one [does not] understand unpleasant emotions or that one analyzes them, or thinks that one cannot regulate or control emotions will reduce that positive state. Greater activation of inhibitory behaviors will produce greater negative affect, and this will increase when one perceives that one attends excessively to one's feelings or does not understand them or feels incapable of regulating them. Accordingly, although motivators could be a focus of interest for intervention, this study shows that the efficiency and profitability of these practical applications increases by adding TEI.

<p>The Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation in BIS/BAS Sensitivities, Depression, and Anxiety Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in China</p>

“…16 Second, we found that high BAS sensitivity leads to lower levels of depression and anxiety and enhanced adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. These findings are in line with those of previous studies reporting that BAS sensitivity is negatively associated with negative affect 24 and can positively predict adaptive cognitive emotion regulation. 23 BAS drives elderly adults to achieve goals, leading to effective implementation of adaptive strategies and a feeling of enjoyment when they attain them.…”

“…23 Similarly, people with high BAS scores are more likely to regulate their emotions and behaviors effectively. 24,25 Meanwhile, low BAS sensitivity and high BIS sensitivity are related to emotion regulation difficulties. 26 However, this preexisting literature on the association between BIS/BAS sensitivity and negative affect has mostly focused on certain emotion regulation strategies or emotion regulation difficulties, 27 while the cognitive emotion regulation which consist of adaptive and maladaptive strategies seems to be strongly linked to depression and anxiety.…”

Breast Cancer and Resilience: The Controversial Role of Perceived Emotional Intelligence

“…Therefore, the effectiveness of psychological interventions or therapeutic practices with a high attentional component, such as emotional consciousness or mindfulness, must be reviewed (Cebolla et al, 2017). In other words, emotional regulation and strengthening after adversity will be affected if emotional attention is not accompanied by an adequate ability to discriminate emotional states (Cejudo et al, 2016;Merchán-Clavellino et al, 2019. Thus, if interventions aim to promote adjustment and psychological well-being, the dimensions of PEI should work complementary to avoid unwanted effects.…”

“…There is even empirical evidence that certain therapeutic practices with an attentional component such as meditation and mindfulness can generate side effects that should be studied in greater depth (Cebolla et al, 2017). Nevertheless, if the attention is accompanied by the ability to discriminate and repair negative mood, these negative consequences are reduced, leading to better physical and psychological function (Cejudo et al, 2016;Gómez-Baya and Mendoza, 2018;Merchán-Clavellino et al, 2019.…”

Effect of Green Consumption Value on Consumption Intention in a Pro-Environmental Setting: The Mediating Role of Approach and Avoidance Motivation

“…Gray (1987) proposed a behavioral motivation theory (Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory [RST]), which describes the behavioral approach system (BAS) and the behavioral inhibition system (BIS). BAS refers to one's sensitivity to rewards and positive stimuli, activating behaviors that produce positive or pleasurable goals, whereas BIS refers to one's sensitivity to punishment cues and negative stimuli, inhibiting behaviors that produce unpleasant outcomes to avoid them (Carver & White, 1994;Merchán-Clavellino et al, 2019). Spielberg et al (2011) found that the activation approach (BAS, or approach motivation) was associated with left-lateralized middle frontal gyrus activation and that the region responds to stimuli associated with expectations, harvests, and pleasure.…”