Reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) is a psychological framework proposed by Jeffrey A. Gray and Neil McNaughton in the 1980s. It is a comprehensive theory of personality and behavior that attempts to explain and predict individual differences in response to stimuli in the environment.
According to RST, individuals have three fundamental systems that influence their behavior: the behavioral activation system (BAS), the behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and the fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS). The BAS is responsible for activating approach behaviors in response to reward cues, such as seeking out new opportunities or engaging in pleasurable activities. The BIS, on the other hand, activates avoidance behaviors and vigilance in response to punishment cues, promoting cautious and risk-averse tendencies. The FFFS is an instinctive response system that triggers when a person's safety is threatened, leading to fight, flight, or freeze responses.
Furthermore, RST posits that individual differences in the sensitivity and reactivity of these systems can lead to different personality traits and behavioral patterns. For example, individuals with a highly sensitive BAS may exhibit traits such as impulsivity, sensation seeking, and positive affect, while those with a hyperactive BIS may display traits like anxiety, worry, and inhibition.
Overall, reinforcement sensitivity theory provides a comprehensive framework that helps explain how individuals respond to rewards, punishments, and threat cues in their environment, further understanding the underlying mechanisms of personality and behavior.
