Psychometric Properties of the BIS/BAS Scales and the SPSRQ in Flemish Adolescents

Authors

  • Laura Vandeweghe Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, University of Ghent
  • Annelies Matton Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology and Center for Eating Disorders, University Hospital Ghent
  • Wim Beyers Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, University of Ghent
  • Myriam Vervaet Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Center for Eating Disorders, University Hospital Ghent
  • Caroline Braet Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, University of Ghent
  • Lien Goossens Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, University of Ghent

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/pb.298

Keywords:

reinforcement sensitivity theory, adolescence, assessment, factor analysis

Abstract

Objective: Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) is a frequently used model of personality that is relevant to the period of adolescence. However, the psychometric properties of the most frequently used questionnaires to measure the RST-constructs, namely the Behavioural Inhibition System and Behavioural Activation System Scales (BIS/BAS Scales) and the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ), are rarely examined in samples of adolescents. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the two-factor structure, reliability and convergent validity of the BIS/BAS Scales and SPSRQ in a Flemish adolescent community sample. 

Method: A sample of 579 adolescents (39.5% boys; 14–19 years) was recruited. The proposed two-factor structure was assessed using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling. Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency and construct validity was examined with the correlations between the two questionnaires and with the Temperament and Character Inventory–short form (TCI-SF). 

Results: After the removal of problematic items, and the addition of correlated errors, all indices indicated a good fit for the two-factor structure of the modified BIS/BAS Scales. For the modified SPSRQ, three fit indices indicated a good model fit, while a fourth fit index was slightly below the cut-off score of an adequate model fit. Internal consistency of both questionnaires was sufficient. In general, the associations with scales of the TCI-SF were as expected, with positive correlations between BIS-related scales, and between BAS-related scales of all three instruments. 

Discussion: In Flemish adolescents, the use of a two-factor model to analyze data gathered with the modified BIS/BAS Scales or modified SPSRQ seems appropriate. 

Author Biographies

Myriam Vervaet, Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Center for Eating Disorders, University Hospital Ghent

Prof. Dr. Vervaet is involved in research concerning eating disorders. She also works as a clinical psychologist for patients with an eating disorder.

Caroline Braet, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, University of Ghent

Prof. Dr. Braet is involved in research concerning eating and weight problems and depression in children and adolescents. She is also the supervisor of the University Psychological Center for Child and Adolescent.

Lien Goossens, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, University of Ghent

Dr. Lien Goossens is involved in research concerning eating disorders in children and adolescents. She also works as a clinical psychologist at the University Psychological Center for Child and Adolescent.

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Published

2016-12-20

Issue

Vol. 56 No. 4 (2016)

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2016 The Author(s)

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