An evaluation of the behavioral inhibition and behavioral activation system (BIS-BAS) model of pain

This study evaluated the behavioral inhibition and activation system (BIS-BAS) model of pain. Frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) as a possible neurophysiological correlate of the BIS-BAS was also explored, as was the role of personality factors.

A cross-sectional study was completed at the University of (The University of Queensland). The sample was N = 69 adults with chronic low back pain. Self-report and data were collected as a part of a treatment outcome study. Correlational analyses were conducted between theorized BIS-BAS-related measures of cognitions (catastrophizing, control beliefs), emotion (depression, anxiety, happiness), and behavior (avoidance, engagement). Correlations and hierarchical regression were used to explore the association between these measures, pain intensity, personality factors, and FAA.

As hypothesized, the correlations between the BIS and BAS measures were all negative and mostly significant (ps < .05). The BIS-related measures were significantly positively associated with each other and Neuroticism (ps <.01). The BAS-related measures were positively correlated with each other and Extraversion, with most of these associations statistically significant. While pain intensity was significantly associated with several BIS and BAS measures (ps < .05), FAA was not significantly associated with pain or any BIS-BAS domain. BAS-related measures were most strongly associated with pain intensity (ΔR² = .13).

Few studies have concurrently investigated the intersection between brain state, pain-related variables and psychosocial factors. This is the first study to test these associations from the perspective of a BIS-BAS model of pain. The findings provide preliminary support for the central tenets of this framework. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).