Inhibition in Action―Inhibitory Components in the Behavioral Activation System

Over the past two decades, the neurobiological substrates of the reinforcement theory have been discussed in terms of a behavioral activation system (BAS) and a behavioral inhibition system (BIS). While the BAS has been conceptualized as both an activating system and an approach-related system, the empirical evidence for either approach remains inconclusive. In the current study we hypothesize that the inclusion of self-regulatory capacity contributes to a better understanding of the BAS. In a sample of 29 volunteers motor response inhibition elicited by a stop-signal task and heart rate variability (HRV) as a proxy of self-regulatory capacity were related to BAS scores (BIS/BAS scales [1]). Results show significant positive associations between inhibitory capacity and the sensitivity of the behavioral activation system, suggesting markers of self-regulation as components of the BAS.