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[Factor structure of the German version of the BIS/BAS Scales in a population-based sample]
1Klinik für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Germany. mueller.astrid@mh-hannover.de
Background:
The Behavioural Inhibition System/Behavioural Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS-Scales) developed by Carver and White 1 is a self-rating instrument to assess the dispositional sensitivity to punishment and reward. The present work aims to examine the factor structure of the German version of the BIS/BAS-Scales.
Material And Methods:
In a large German population-based sample (n = 1881) the model fit of several factor models was tested by using confirmatory factor analyses.
Results:
The best model fit was found for the 5-factor model with two BIS (anxiety, fear) and three BAS (drive, reward responsiveness, fun seeking) scales, whereas the BIS-fear, the BAS-reward responsiveness, and the BAS-fun seeking subscales showed low internal consistency. The BIS/BAS scales were negatively correlated with age, and women reported higher BIS subscale scores than men.
Conclusion:
Confirmatory factor analyses suggest a 5-factor model. However, due to the low internal reliability of some of the subscales the use of this model is questionable.
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