Evidence for a general factor of behavioral activation system sensitivity

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Personality Science
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Individual differences in behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) are often assessed using Carver and White's BIS/BAS scale.
• The BIS/BAS scale identifies three BAS subfactors (drive, fun seeking, reward responsiveness), with Carver advising against a combined BAS total score.
• Despite this, a BAS total score is widely used, prompting investigation into its psychometric validity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test for the existence of a general factor within the BAS scale.
• To determine if a BAS total score primarily reflects this general factor.
• To evaluate the psychometric justification for using a BAS total score.

Main Methods:

• Factor analysis was employed to test various models of the BAS scale structure.
• A hierarchical factor model including group facets and a general factor was assessed.
• Model invariance was examined across sex and race/ethnicity.

Main Results:

• The best-fitting model was a hierarchical structure with three group facets and a general factor.
• This hierarchical model demonstrated substantial invariance across sex and race/ethnicity.
• A general factor was found to account for the majority of the variance in BAS total scores.

Conclusions:

• The hierarchical model provides a superior fit for the BAS scale.
• The significant variance explained by the general factor validates the use of a BAS total score.
• Researchers are psychometrically justified in employing a BAS total score for measuring individual differences in behavioral activation.