BIS/BAS Scales

The BIS/BAS Scales, developed by Carver and White in 1994, are self-report measures of two fundamental motivational systems proposed by Gray's reinforcement sensitivity theory. The Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) governs sensitivity to punishment, threat, and nonreward, and underlies anxiety and avoidance; the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) governs sensitivity to reward and underlies approach motivation and positive affect, and is measured by three subscales (Drive, Reward Responsiveness, and Fun Seeking). Respondents rate agreement with statements about their reactions to anticipated reward and punishment. Carver and White validated the scales by showing that BIS sensitivity predicted nervousness in the face of impending punishment and BAS sensitivity predicted happiness in anticipation of reward. The instrument is widely used in personality, clinical, and affective research as a trait measure of approach and avoidance temperament.