Behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and impulsivity in the Dark Triad

Nedeljković, Boban and Tucaković, Lana (2023) Behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and impulsivity in the Dark Triad. Psihološka istraživanja, XXVI (1). pp. 45-69. ISSN 0352-7379

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Abstract

Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory postulates that the behavioral inhibition
system (BIS) is responsible for regulating anxiety and fear in response to external
stimuli, while the behavioral activation system (BAS) is responsible for processing
positive cues such as rewards. Dickman’s model distinguishes dysfunctional impulsivity (DI), characterized by non-reflective decision-making, from functional
impulsivity (FI), which reflects the propensity of making quick decisions when
advantageous. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of the BIS/BAS
and DI/FI to explain the variance in the Dark Triad traits. The sample included
318 convenient-recruited participants (Mage = 28.67, SDage = 8.95; 75.2% females)
who completed the BIS/BAS scales (BIS, BAS Fun Seeking, BAS Reward Responsiveness, and BAS Drive), Dickman’s Impulsivity Inventory and Short Dark Triad
(Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy). BAS Reward Responsiveness
and BAS Drive were significant predictors of Machiavellianism, which indicated
that individuals high on this trait could be sensitive to positive reinforcement. BIS,
BAS Fun Seeking, and DI were significant predictors of psychopathy, while BIS, all
BAS scales, and FI were significant predictors of narcissism. These results suggest
that poor inhibition, low impulse control, and a strong tendency to approach pleasure-oriented activities are the factors that significantly contribute to explaining
the surface of psychopathy, and they could be seen as particularly important for
maladaptive behavior. On the other hand, individuals with high narcissism may be sensitive to positive reinforcement, goal-oriented, and exhibit functional impulsivity, which allows them to capitalize on opportunities.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	COBISS.ID=119587593
Uncontrolled Keywords:	BIS/BAS, functional impulisivity, dysfunctional impulsivity, Dark Triad
Research Department:	Welfare Economics
Depositing User:	Jelena Banovic
Date Deposited:	05 Jul 2023 11:17
Last Modified:	05 Jul 2023 11:17
URI:	http://35.240.28.64/id/eprint/1921
Author Links:	[error in script] No links available.

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