Reinforcement sensitivity theory may predict COVID-19 infection outcome and vulnerability

Research suggests that specific behavior patterns may be related with the outcome and vulnerability of a COVID-19 infection; nevertheless, much of this information has been obtained by means of psychological paradigms that are not based on research conducted using experimental designs. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to identify behavior patterns associated with COVID-19 outcome and vulnerability from the point of view of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory. A total of 464 college students from Mexico-City participated in the study. Participants answered the Behavior Inhibition, Behavior Activation scales (Carver & White, 1994), the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (Corr & Cooper, 2016) and a COVID-19 symptom checklist. Data showed that those individuals who respond in an enthusiastic way to rewards develop less symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, individuals who are keen in the exploration and identification of new rewarding opportunities are less likely to develop a COVID-19 infection. Both findings suggest that a potent Behavior Activation System could protect individuals during the present pandemic. These results are in general agreement with others produced within the same framework.