The conceptualisation, measurement and scope of reinforcement sensitivity in the context of a neuroscience of personality

Abstract

Reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) is complex, and there are subtle differences between RST and other approach-avoidance process theories of personality. However, most such theories posit a common biobehavioural mechanism underlying personality which we must therefore strive to understand: differential sensitivity to reinforcing stimuli. Reinforcement sensitivity is widely assessed using questionnaires, but should we treat such measures as (a) a proxy for reinforcement sensitivity itself (i.e. the underlying causes of personality) or (b) trait constructs potentially manifesting out of reinforcement sensitivity (i.e. the 'surface' of personality)? Might neuroscience paradigms, such as tho..