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Reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) and body change behaviour in males

journal contribution
posted on 2006-03-01, 00:00 authored by Alexander MussapAlexander Mussap
According to the unrevised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory two motivational systems shape personality: a behavioural approach system (BAS) that determines sensitivity to rewards, and a behavioural inhibition system (BIS) that determines sensitivity to punishments. The role of reinforcement sensitivity in body change behaviour in males was explored with a non-clinical sample of 120 men aged 18–40 years. Self-reported symptoms of unhealthy weight loss (weight preoccupation, fasting, bingeing/purging) and body development (muscle/size preoccupation, obligatory exercise, use of chemical supplements) were regressed on measures of BAS and BIS sensitivity. Significant relationships were observed between BAS sensitivity and body development, and between BIS sensitivity and weight loss. These relationships were mediated by internalization of the athletic/muscular ideal, body comparisons, the importance of achieving one’s ideal or ‘best possible’ body (in the case of BAS but not BIS), and body dissatisfaction (in the case of BIS but not BAS). These results support the proposition that body development in males is influenced by sensitivity to rewards associated with achieving a certain body shape, and that weight loss is influenced by sensitivity to punishments associated with possessing an unsatisfactory body shape.

History

Journal

Personality and individual differences

Volume

40

Issue

4

Pagination

841 - 852

Publisher

Pergamon

Location

Oxford, England

ISSN

0191-8869

eISSN

1873-3549

Language

eng

Notes

Available online 3 November 2005.

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2005, Elsevier Ltd