Genetics of Behavioral Inhibition and Approach Systems: A Review of the Literature

Individual differences in sensitivities of the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Behavioral Approach System (BAS) have been posited to underlie stable differences in individuals’ unique patterns of responding to cues of punishment and reward in their environment. Conceived from the outset as neurological systems, the BIS and BAS have repeatedly been linked to brain structure and function through magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalogram studies. These signifcant links to biology suggest an underlying genetic basis for BIS and BAS. Research concerning BIS/BAS in twin pairs as well as BIS/BAS associations with COMT, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, and 5-HTTLPR genes is reviewed in hopes of elucidating genetic factors underlying personality and psychopathology.