The role of Gray’s revised RST in the P–psychopathy continuum: the relationships of Psychoticism with a lack of fear and anxiety, and increased impulsivity

Tools

Heym, N. ORCID: 0000-0003-2414-8854 and Lawrence, C., 2010. The role of Gray’s revised RST in the P–psychopathy continuum: the relationships of Psychoticism with a lack of fear and anxiety, and increased impulsivity. Personality and Individual Differences, 49 (8), pp. 874-879. ISSN 0191-8869

Preview

Text
219311_PubSub1848_Heym.pdf
Download (582kB) | Preview

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.07.021

Abstract

Gray's revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST; Gray & McNaughton, 2000) may play a role in explaining deficits in Psychoticism (P) and psychopathy (Corr, 2010). In this paper, we examine the relationships of P with anxiety, fear, impulsivity and reward reactivity in normal populations to assess whether these associations mirror the hypothesized role of RST motivations in psychopathy. Two hundred and twelve participants completed measures of Psychoticism, impulsivity and rRST motivations (BIS-anxiety, FFFS-fear and BAS). BIS-anxiety mediated the association of P with FFFS-fear and BAS-fun seeking. An exploratory factor analysis distinguished between trait impulsivity (P, impulsivity and BIS) and reward reactivity (BAS-reward responsiveness and BAS-drive). Subsequent moderation analyses showed that whilst neither BIS nor BAS moderated the P-impulsivity link, the association between P and impulsivity was more pronounced in individuals with raised levels of FFFS-fear. Findings are discussed in terms of the roles of fear versus anxiety and impulsivity versus reward reactivity in the P-psychopathy continuum.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Personality and Individual Differences

Creators:

Heym, N. and Lawrence, C.

Publisher:

Elsevier

Date:

2010

Volume:

Number: