Neuropsychological Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Behavioral Approach System (BAS) Assessment: A Shortened Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire Version (SPSRQ–20)

Abstract

This research was designed to investigate the items and factor structure of the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ) proposed by Torrubia, Avila, Moltó, and Caseras (2001), as a measure of the behavioral inhibition system and behavioral activation system in Gray's reinforcement sensitivity theory. Recent studies that analyzed this instrument by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis suggest the need for structural refinement. The Spanish version of the SPSRQ was analyzed by exploratory and confirmatory procedures in calibration (n = 2,102) and validation (n = 746) independent samples. In addition, convergent and discriminant validity was evaluated with the Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (Zuckerman, Kuhlman, Teta, Joireman, & Kraft, 1993), the Impulsiveness, Venturesomeness and Empathy Inventory (S. B. G. Eysenck, Pearson, Easting, & Allsopp, 1985) the Neuroticism, Extraversion and Openness Five Factor Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1992), and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scales (Barratt, 1985). Results showed the robustness of a 20-item structure of the SPSRQ, with satisfactory fit adjustment, validity, and reliability. The findings are discussed in terms of the better functioning and sound psychometric properties of the SPSRQ 20-item version for Gray's personality theory.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grants from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PSI2008-00924), Spain. We thank Dr. Rafael Torrubia for his permission to provide the SPSRQ items.

Notes

Available on the Paul Barrett home page, http://www.pbarrett.net/shortform.htm (free statistical software, last accessed December 2010).

For instance, in the pair of Items 26–38 with an MI = 526.90 and a correlation of .64, Item 26 was deleted (26: Do you generally give preference to those activities that imply an immediate gain?; 38: Do you sometimes do things for quick gains?).

Available on the Paul Barrett home page, http://www.pbarrett.net/shortform.htm (free statistical software, last accessed December 2010).