Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025

Human Fear Conditioning Conducted in Full Immersion 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality
Published on: August 9, 2010
The association between BIS/BAS and fear of COVID-19 infection among women
1Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
Background:
The main goal of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate, in women, the association between the behavioural inhibition system/behavioural activation system (BIS/BAS) and fear of COVID-19-related self-infection and infection of loved ones (family members, friends, relatives). Several studies have indicated that the psychological consequences of COVID-19 are serious especially among women. On the other hand, little is known about the role of the BIS and BAS in shaping responses and behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article deals with this issue.
Participants And Procedure:
The sample consisted of 415 women between the ages of 18 and 67. A numerical rating scale comprising 11 degrees of fear was used to assess participants' COVID-19-related fear, and the BIS and BAS were evaluated using Carver and White's BIS/BAS scales.
Results:
A small positive correlation was observed between the BIS and participants' COVID-19-related fear of loved ones' infection. The BIS explained two percent of the COVID-19-related fear of loved ones' infection dimension.
Conclusions:
The BIS weakly, but significantly correlated with women's fear of their loved ones being infected by COVID-19. This study highlights the possible role of the BIS mechanism in women's response to COVID-19-related fear, but only when the threat affects loved ones. Comparative studies between men and women are necessary.
Related Concept Videos
Preparedness and Phobias
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...

