Nuts & Bolts Plan for

Today
Lecture (Davidson & Gable
papers)
Take-home critical thinking
questions

PSYC 210:
What exactly do trait-like individual differences in T&P do?
(Part 3 of the Trait/State arc)

AJ Shackman
24 February 2015

Todays Conceptual Roadmap

What does T&P do?
What does it mean to say that
individuals differ in terms of the
brains reactivity to trait-relevant
cues and contexts?
How does T&P influence our daily
experience?
Does it influence mood, exposure to
rewards and punishments, or both?

Todays Conceptual Roadmap

What does T&P do?
What does it mean to say that
individuals differ in terms of the
brains reactivity to trait-relevant
cues and contexts?
How does T&P influence our daily
experience?
Does it influence mood, exposure to
rewards and punishments, or both?

Todays Conceptual Roadmap

What does T&P do?
What does it mean to say that
individuals differ in their reactivity
to trait-relevant cues and contexts?
How does T&P influence our daily
experience?
Does it influence mood, exposure to
rewards and punishments, or both?

Todays Conceptual Roadmap

What does T&P do?
What does it mean to say that
individuals differ in their reactivity
to trait-relevant cues and contexts?
How does T&P influence our daily
experience?
Does it influence mood, exposure to
rewards and punishments, or both?

First, some background

Two Ideas

T&P is Active in the Absence of

External Challenge; Embodied in the
Ongoing Activity of the Brain; Tonic
Endogenous Model

Two Ideas

Interactive/Reactive/Phasic Model
T&P is Active in the Absence of
External Challenge; Embodied in the
aits x Trait-Relevant Challenges States
Ongoing Activity of the Brain; Tonic
Endogenous Model

Two Ideas

Interactive/Reactive/Phasic Model
T&P is Active in the Absence of
External Challenge; Embodied in the
aits x Trait-Relevant Challenges States
Ongoing Activity of the Brain; Tonic
Endogenous Model

ea is that trait = bigger reaction in relevant brain

More trait, more activation

Hi Trait e.g. N/NE
Lo Trait e.g. N/NE
Bigger Peak Reactivity

But is it only a difference in the peak?

Hi Trait e.g. N/NE
Lo Trait e.g. N/NE
Bigger Peak Reactivity

Students?
What was
Richies perspective?

Not necessarily just the peak

Other parameters may be crucial

Hi Trait e.g. N/NE

Lo Trait e.g. N/NE

Recovery Time
(Regulation/Decay)
Mood Spillover

Hi Trait e.g. N/NE

Lo Trait e.g. N/NE
Peak Amplitude

Recovery Time
(Regulation/Decay)
Mood Spillover

Hi Trait e.g. N/NE

Lo Trait e.g. N/NE

Rise Time to Peak

Peak Amplitude

Recovery Time
(Regulation/Decay)
Mood Spillover

Hi Trait e.g. N/NE

Lo Trait e.g. N/NE

Rise Time to Peak

Threshold

Peak Amplitude

Recovery Time
(Regulation/Decay)
Mood Spillover

Students
How might you test whether individuals differ in their threshold to show an
emotional (or neural) response?

Hi Trait e.g. N/NE

Lo Trait e.g. N/NE

weak
Threshold

medium

strong

Threshold schmeshold
Maybe this is just some
cockamamie idea of Richies
Whats the larger relevance?

Hypothesized Brain Substrate for Behavioral Inhibition

Behaviorally inhibited children are
born with a lower threshold for arousal of
various brain regions, in particular the amygdala
-- New York Times Magazine piece on Jerry Kagan

Hypothesized Brain Substrate for Behavioral Inhibition

Behaviorally inhibited children are
born with a lower threshold for arousal of
various brain regions, in particular the amygdala
-- New York Times Magazine piece on Jerry Kagan

Yeah, but thats just Kagans theory

What do the data show?

Not Necessarily the Peak

Bilateral Amygdala

Not Necessarily the Peak

Bilateral Amygdala

ReactRecover

Not Necessarily the Peak

Bilateral Amygdala

Amygdala reactivity was

unrelated to N/NE
ReactRecover

In contrast, individuals with

elevated levels of N/NE showed a
prolonged recovery from aversive

Not Necessarily the Peak

Bilateral Amygdala

Amygdala reactivity was

unrelated to N/NE
ReactRecover

In contrast, individuals with

elevated levels of N/NE show a
prolonged recovery from aversive

A Second Example

A Second Example

Jenni Blackford
Vanderbilt

Amygdala

emember: behavioral inhibition is a facet of N/NE

Behaviorally inhibited subjects show

Amygdala

more enduring activation in

the amygdala to emotional faces
There were not a significant
difference in the peak response.

emember: behavioral inhibition is a facet of N/NE

What about daily

experience?

First, some theory

Jeffrey Gray

T&P: 2 Fundamental
Dimensions
Reward
Punishment
Cues

Cues

Behavior

Approach

(Passive) Avoidance
e.g., freezing, BI

Motivation

Appetitive

Aversive

Emotions

Excitement, Joy
(and Anger, when
goals are thwarted)

Anxiety

Substrate

Behavioral
Activation System
(BAS)

Wanting
(Not Liking or pleasur

Behavioral Inhibition
System (BIS)

T&P: 2 Fundamental
Dimensions
Reward
Punishment
Cues

Cues

Behavior

Approach

(Passive) Avoidance
e.g., freezing, BI

Motivation

Appetitive

Aversive

Emotions

Excitement, Joy
(and Anger, when
goals are thwarted)

Anxiety

Substrate

Behavioral
Activation System
(BAS)

Wanting
(Not Liking or pleasur

Behavioral Inhibition
System (BIS)

T&P: 2 Fundamental
Dimensions
Reward
Punishment
Cues

Cues

Behavior

Approach

(Passive) Avoidance
e.g., freezing, BI

Motivation

Appetitive

Aversive

Emotions

Excitement, Joy
(and Anger, when
goals are thwarted)

Anxiety

Substrate

Behavioral
Activation System
(BAS)

Wanting
(Not Liking or pleasur

Behavioral Inhibition
System (BIS)

T&P: 2 Fundamental
Dimensions
Reward
Punishment
Cues

Cues

Behavior

Approach

(Passive) Avoidance
e.g., freezing, BI

Motivation

Appetitive

Aversive

Emotions

Excitement, Joy
(and Anger, when
goals are thwarted)

Anxiety

Substrate

Behavioral
Activation System
(BAS)

Wanting
(Not Liking or pleasur

Behavioral Inhibition
System (BIS)

T&P: 2 Fundamental
Dimensions
Reward
Punishment
Cues

Cues

Behavior

Approach

(Passive) Avoidance
e.g., freezing, BI

Motivation

Appetitive

Aversive

Emotions

Excitement, Joy
(and Anger, when
goals are thwarted)

Anxiety

Substrate

Behavioral
Activation System
(BAS)

Wanting
(Not Liking or pleasur

Behavioral Inhibition
System (BIS)

T&P: 2 Fundamental
Dimensions
Reward
Punishment
Cues

Cues

Behavior

Approach

(Passive) Avoidance
e.g., freezing, BI

Motivation

Appetitive

Aversive

Emotions

Excitement, Joy
(and Anger, when
goals are thwarted)

Anxiety

Substrate

Behavioral
Activation System
(BAS)

Wanting
(Not Liking or pleasur

Behavioral Inhibition
System (BIS)

T&P: 2 Fundamental
Dimensions
Reward
Punishment
Cues

Cues

Behavior

Approach

(Passive) Avoidance
e.g., freezing, BI,
caution, risk
assessment/vigilanc
e

Motivation

Appetitive

Aversive

Emotions

Excitement, Joy
(and Anger, when
goals are thwarted)

Anxiety

Substrate

Behavioral
Activation System
(BAS)

Behavioral Inhibition
System (BIS)

How do the BIS (punishment sensitivity) and BAS (reward sensitivity) map onto
the consensual model of T&P?
Are they synonymous with
N/NE and E/PE?

Mapping to the Consensual Model: BIS

Caspi et al Ann Rev Psychol 20

Are individual differences in the BIS discernible

in the brains
activity at rest?

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

Right vs. Left

Asymmetry = Difference Score

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BIS

Right > Left

hackman et al., 2009

N = 51; p < .05

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BIS
Trait-like stability (like the phenotypic
trait, BIS)
Heritable
Correlated with self-reported trait
anxiety (BIS,
STAI) and predicts threat-induced
anxiety in adults
Predicts threat-induced behavioral
inhibition and
cortisol in children and monkeys
Right > Left

Associated with anxiety disorders and

normalized
by anxiolytic drugs

Shackman et al., submitted; Nusslock, Shackman, Coan, Harmon-Jones, Alloy & Abramson, J Abnorm

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BIS
Trait-like stability (like the phenotypic
trait, BIS)
Heritable (like BIS)
Correlated with self-reported trait
anxiety (BIS,
STAI) and predicts threat-induced
anxiety in adults
Predicts threat-induced behavioral
inhibition and
cortisol in children and monkeys
Right > Left

Associated with anxiety disorders and

normalized
by anxiolytic drugs

Shackman et al., submitted; Nusslock, Shackman, Coan, Harmon-Jones, Alloy & Abramson, J Abnorm

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BIS
Trait-like stability (like the phenotypic
trait, BIS)
Heritable (like BIS)
Correlated with self-reported trait
anxiety (BIS,
STAI) and predicts threat-induced
anxiety in adults
Predicts threat-induced behavioral
inhibition and
cortisol in children and monkeys
Right > Left

Associated with anxiety disorders and

normalized
by anxiolytic drugs

Shackman et al., submitted; Nusslock, Shackman, Coan, Harmon-Jones, Alloy & Abramson, J Abnorm

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BIS
Trait-like stability (like the phenotypic
trait, BIS)
Heritable (like BIS)
Correlated with self-reported trait
anxiety (BIS,
STAI) and predicts threat-induced
anxiety in adults
Predicts threat-induced behavioral
inhibition and
cortisol in children and monkeys
Right > Left

Associated with anxiety disorders and

normalized
by anxiolytic drugs

Shackman et al., submitted; Nusslock, Shackman, Coan, Harmon-Jones, Alloy & Abramson, J Abnorm

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BIS
Trait-like stability (like the phenotypic
trait, BIS)
Heritable (like BIS)
Correlated with self-reported trait
anxiety (BIS,
STAI) and predicts threat-induced
anxiety in adults
Predicts threat-induced behavioral
inhibition and
cortisol in children and monkeys
Right > Left

Associated with anxiety disorders and

normalized
by anxiolytic drugs

Shackman et al., submitted; Nusslock, Shackman, Coan, Harmon-Jones, Alloy & Abramson, J Abnorm

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BIS
Trait-like stability (like the phenotypic
trait, BIS)
Heritable (like BIS)
Correlated with self-reported trait
anxiety (BIS,
STAI) and predicts threat-induced
anxiety in adults
Predicts threat-induced behavioral
inhibition and
cortisol in children and monkeys
Right > Left

Associated with anxiety disorders and

normalized
by anxiolytic drugs

Shackman et al., submitted; Nusslock, Shackman, Coan, Harmon-Jones, Alloy & Abramson, J Abnorm

EEG source modeling: Estimate

generator

hackman et al., 2009

hackman et al., 2009

BIS and Right dlPFC

N = 51; p < .05, corr.

What about the BAS?

Mapping to the Consensual Model: BAS

not as clean

Caspi et al Ann Rev Psychol 20

Mapping to the Consensual Model: BAS

not as clean

Caspi et al Ann Rev Psychol 20

Mapping to the Consensual Model: BAS

not as clean

Caspi et al Ann Rev Psychol 20

Mapping to the Consensual Model: BAS

not as clean

Caspi et al Ann Rev Psychol 20

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BAS
L > R has been linked to
Individual differences in E/PE and BAS
(resting EEG)
Positive emotional states elicited by film clips
Anger (thwarted or stymied approach)
Wanting (appetitive drive) during the
anticipation of monetary reward in unselected
Ss
Wanting during the anticipation of smoking
in nicotine deprived smokers
Left > Right

Wanting during the anticipation of moms

return following brief separation in young
children
Depressed (anhedonic) Pps show reduction

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BAS
L > R has been linked to
Individual differences in E/PE and BAS
(resting EEG)
Positive emotional states elicited by film clips
Anger (thwarted or stymied approach)
Wanting (appetitive drive) during the
anticipation of monetary reward in unselected
Ss
Wanting during the anticipation of smoking
in nicotine deprived smokers
Left > Right

Wanting during the anticipation of moms

return following brief separation in young
children
Depressed (anhedonic) Pps show reduction

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BAS
L > R has been linked to
Individual differences in E/PE and BAS
(resting EEG)
Positive emotional states elicited by film clips
Anger (thwarted or stymied approach)
Wanting (appetitive drive) during the
anticipation of monetary reward in unselected
Ss
Wanting during the anticipation of smoking
in nicotine deprived smokers
Left > Right

Wanting during the anticipation of moms

return following brief separation in young
children
Depressed (anhedonic) Pps show reduction

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BAS
L > R has been linked to
Individual differences in E/PE and BAS
(resting EEG)
Positive emotional states elicited by film clips
Anger (thwarted or stymied approach)
Wanting (appetitive drive) during
the anticipation of monetary reward
Wanting during the anticipation of smoking
in nicotine deprived smokers

Left > Right

Wanting during the anticipation of moms

return following brief separation in young
children
Depressed (anhedonic) Pps show reduction
at baseline more about this later!

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BAS
L > R has been linked to
Individual differences in E/PE and BAS
(resting EEG)
Positive emotional states elicited by film clips
Anger (thwarted or stymied approach)
Wanting (appetitive drive) during
the anticipation of monetary reward
Wanting during the anticipation of smoking
in nicotine deprived smokers

Left > Right

Wanting during the anticipation of moms

return following brief separation in young
children
Depressed (anhedonic) Pps show reduction
at baseline more about this later!

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BAS
L > R has been linked to
Individual differences in E/PE and BAS
(resting EEG)
Positive emotional states elicited by film clips
Anger (thwarted or stymied approach)
Wanting (appetitive drive) during
the anticipation of monetary reward
Wanting during the anticipation of smoking
in nicotine deprived smokers

Left > Right

Wanting during the anticipation of moms

return following brief separation in young
children
Depressed (anhedonic) Pps show reduction
at baseline more about this later!

resting frontal EEG asymmetry

and BAS
L > R has been linked to
Individual differences in E/PE and BAS
(resting EEG)
Positive emotional states elicited by film clips
Anger (thwarted or stymied approach)
Wanting (appetitive drive) during
the anticipation of monetary reward
Wanting during the anticipation of smoking
in nicotine deprived smokers

Left > Right

Wanting during the anticipation of moms

return following brief separation in young
children
Depressed patients show low wanting
(anhedonia) and reduced L>R (resting EEG)

BIS and BAS do not just reflect

activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC)
More details in future lectures

Measuring individual differences

in BIS/BAS

Students
How is the BIS/BAS scale supposed to be different than other self-report
measures of T&P?

Most T&P Questionnaires

Please answer each of the following items ba

on how you generally feel or how you typica
behave
I am generally anxious
From day to day, I tend to be
excited, proud, and confident
Most days, most of the time, I am worried

Theory: Sensitivity vs. Typical

Experience

Carver & White JPSP 199

Theory: Sensitivity vs. Typical

Experience
Proneness; Not necessarily experience
Gray characterized the quality of personality deriving from BIS
sensitivity as anxiety proneness [not anxiety having-ness]. This
dimension appears relatively straightforward conceptually.
The problem is that although a person with high BIS sensitivity is
vulnerable to anxiety in certain situations, this person may also learn
to avoid anxiety-provoking situation much of the time and
consequently experience relatively little anxiety on a day-to-day
basis
Behavior can change exposure to Rew/Pun and regulate daily
emotion
one who realized the vulnerability and arranged his or her life to
avoid threatening situations would not be especially prone to
experience negative affect moment to moment and thus would not
have a high standing on the Negative Emotionality scale.

Carver & White JPSP 199

Theory: Sensitivity vs. Typical

Experience
Proneness; Not necessarily experience
Gray characterized the quality of personality deriving from BIS
sensitivity as anxiety proneness [not anxiety having-ness]. This
dimension appears relatively straightforward conceptually.
The problem is that although a person with high BIS sensitivity is
vulnerable to anxiety in certain situations, this person may also learn
to avoid anxiety-provoking situation much of the time and
consequently experience relatively little anxiety on a day-to-day
basis
Behavior can change exposure to Rew/Pun and regulate daily
emotion
one who realized the vulnerability and arranged his or her life to
avoid threatening situations would not be especially prone to
experience negative affect moment to moment and thus would not
have a high standing on the Negative Emotionality scale.

Carver & White JPSP 199

Theory: Sensitivity vs. Typical

Experience
Proneness; Not necessarily experience
Gray characterized the quality of personality deriving from BIS
sensitivity as anxiety proneness [not anxiety having-ness]. This
dimension appears relatively straightforward conceptually.
The problem is that although a person with high BIS sensitivity is
vulnerable to anxiety in certain situations, this person may also learn
to avoid anxiety-provoking situation much of the time and
consequently experience relatively little anxiety on a day-to-day
basis
Behavior could change exposure to Rew/Pun, altering daily
emotion
one who realized the vulnerability and arranged his or her life to
avoid threatening situations would not be especially prone to
experience negative affect moment to moment and thus would not
have a high standing on the Negative Emotionality scale.

Carver & White JPSP 199

Theory: Sensitivity vs. Typical

Experience
Proneness; Not necessarily experience
Gray characterized the quality of personality deriving from BIS sensitivity
as anxiety proneness [not anxiety having-ness]. This dimension appears
relatively straightforward conceptually.
The problem is that although a person with high BIS sensitivity is
vulnerable to anxiety in certain situations, this person may also learn to
avoid anxiety-provoking situation much of the time and consequently
experience relatively little anxiety on a day-to-day basis
Behavior could change exposure to Rew/Pun, altering daily
emotion
one who realized the vulnerability and arranged his or her life to avoid
threatening situations would not be especially prone to experience negative
affect moment to moment and thus would not have a high standing on the
Negative Emotionality scale.
What does T&P do? Alters exposure via biases in approach and avoidance

Carver & White JPSP 199

Theory: Sensitivity vs. Typical

Experience
Proneness; Not necessarily experience
Gray characterized the quality of personality deriving from BIS sensitivity
as anxiety proneness [not anxiety having-ness]. This dimension appears
relatively straightforward conceptually.
The problem is that although a person with high BIS sensitivity is
vulnerable to anxiety in certain situations, this person may also learn to
avoid anxiety-provoking situation much of the time and consequently
experience relatively little anxiety on a day-to-day basis
Behavior could change exposure to Rew/Pun, altering daily emotion
one who realized the vulnerability and arranged his or her life to avoid
threatening situations would not be especially prone to experience negative
affect moment to moment and thus would not have a high standing on the
Negative Emotionality scale.
What does T&P do? Alters exposure via biases in approach and
avoidance

Carver & White JPSP 199

Is this theory true?

Does it apply equally
to the BIS (avoid punishments)
and BAS (approach rewards)?

Daily Diary

Gables data support

3 key conclusions

Traits States
Traits predict mood
Higher BAS Increased daily PA
Higher BIS Increased daily NA

Consistent with the evidence reviewed in the

Matthews chapter indicating that Traits promote
Trait-related States

Traits States
Traits predict mood
Higher BAS Increased daily positive
emotion
Higher BIS Increased daily negative
emotion

Consistent with the evidence reviewed in the

Matthews chapter indicating that Traits promote
Trait-related States

Traits States
Traits predict mood
Higher BAS Increased daily positive
emotion
Higher BIS Increased daily negative
emotion

Consistent with the evidence reviewed in the

Matthews chapter indicating that Traits promote
Trait-related States

High BIS Enhanced

Reactivity

BIS predicts reactivity to daily hassles

and stress
High-BIS individuals showed increased
negative affect to negative life events and
daily hassles
Experienced the same stressors as more
Reactivity
distressing
This was above and beyond their
generally
General
Mood
higher level of negative affect
9

High BIS
Low BIS

-1

High BIS Enhanced

Reactivity

BIS predicts reactivity to daily hassles

and stress
High-BIS individuals showed increased
negative affect to negative life events and
daily hassles
Experienced the same stressors as more
Reactivity
distressing
This was above and beyond their
generally
General
Mood
higher level of negative affect
9

High BIS
Low BIS

-1

High BIS Enhanced

Reactivity

BIS predicts reactivity to daily hassles

and stress
High-BIS individuals showed increased
negative affect to negative life events and
daily hassles
Experienced the same stressors as more
Reactivity
distressing
This was above and beyond their
generally
General
Mood
higher level of negative affect
9

High BIS
Low BIS

-1

High BIS Enhanced

Reactivity

BIS predicts reactivity to daily hassles

and stress
High-BIS individuals showed increased
negative affect to negative life events and
daily hassles
Experienced the same stressors as more
Reactivity
distressing
This was above and beyond their
generally
General
Mood
higher level of negative affect
9

High BIS
Low BIS

-1

High BAS More

Positive Events

BAS predicts more frequent positive

daily events
9

High BAS
Low BAS

1
-1

High BAS More

Positive Events

BAS predicts more frequent positive

daily events
9

High BAS
Low BAS

1
-1

High BAS More

Positive Events

More frequent positive daily events

explained increased PA in individuals
with higher levels of BAS
Higher BAS

More Positive Affect

More Frequent
Positive Daily Events

High BAS More

Positive Events

More frequent positive daily events

explained increased PA in individuals
with higher levels of BAS
Higher BAS

More Positive Affect

More Frequent
Positive Daily Events

In Summary
Trait BIS: Emotional States
Influences NA (state) via differential reactivity to
negative events
Reactive
Trait BAS: Behavior Emotion
Influences PA via differential exposure to positive
events
Positive events may be less likely to occur without
active initiation
Positive events must be sought out, and the BAS
regulates approach (appetitive motivation; wanting)
Proactive

In Summary
Trait BIS: Emotional States
Influences NA (state) via differential reactivity to
negative events
Reactive
Trait BAS: Behavior Emotion
Influences PA via differential exposure to positive
events
Positive events may be less likely to occur without
active initiation
Positive events must be sought out, and the BAS
regulates approach (appetitive motivation; wanting)
Proactive

In Summary
Trait BIS: Emotional States
Influences NA (state) via differential reactivity to
negative events
Reactive
Trait BAS: Behavior Emotion
Influences PA via differential exposure to positive
events
Positive events may be less likely to occur without
active initiation
Positive events must be sought out, and the BAS
regulates approach (appetitive motivation; wanting)
Proactive

In Summary
Trait BIS: Emotional States
Influences NA (state) via differential reactivity to
negative events
Reactive
Trait BAS: Behavior Emotional States
Influences PA via differential exposure to positive
events
Positive events may be less likely to occur without
active initiation
Positive events must be sought out, and the BAS
regulates approach (appetitive motivation; wanting)
Proactive

In Summary
Trait BIS: Emotional States
Influences NA (state) via differential reactivity to
negative events
Reactive
Trait BAS: Behavior Emotional States
Influences PA via differential exposure to positive
events
Positive events may be less likely to occur without
active initiation
Positive events must be sought out, and the BAS
regulates approach (appetitive motivation; wanting)
Proactive

In Summary
Trait BIS: Emotional States
Influences NA (state) via differential reactivity to
negative events
Reactive
Trait BAS: Behavior Emotional States
Influences PA via differential exposure to positive
events
Positive events may be less likely to occur without
active initiation
Positive events must be sought out, and the BAS
regulates approach (appetitive motivation; wanting)
Proactive

In Summary
Trait BIS: Emotional States
Influences NA (state) via differential reactivity to
negative events
Reactive
Trait BAS: Behavior Emotional States
Influences PA via differential exposure to positive
events
Positive events may be less likely to occur without
active initiation
Positive events must be sought out, and the BAS
regulates approach (appetitive motivation; wanting)
Proactive

In Summary
Trait BIS: Emotional States
Influences NA (state) via differential reactivity to
negative events
Reactive
Trait BAS: Behavior Emotional States
Influences PA via differential exposure to positive
events
Positive events may be less likely to occur without
active initiation
Positive events must be sought out, and the BAS
regulates approach (appetitive motivation; wanting)
Proactive

Key Take Home Points

Key Take Home Points for Todays

Meeting
T&PIt aint just the peak amplitude

Key Take Home Points for Todays

Meeting
In prior lectures, we discussed evidence that T&P represents a
diathesis that leads to enhanced emotion in the presence of traitrelevant cues

Key Take Home Points for Todays

Meeting
In prior lectures, we discussed evidence that T&P represents a
diathesis that leads to enhanced emotion in the presence of traitrelevant cues

Key Take Home Points for Todays

Meeting
Today, we reviewed evidence that T&P can also alter the probability
of encountering trait-relevant cues (rewards and punishments) in
the environment
This demonstrates that traits can influence motivated behavior
(approach and avoidance)even when emotionally-salient stimuli
are absent
And it may reflect enduring differences in the spontaneous, ongoing activity or connectivity of the brain (EEG, FDG-PET, restingstate fMRI)

Key Take Home Points for Todays

Meeting
Today, we reviewed evidence that T&P can also alter the probability
of encountering trait-relevant cues (rewards and punishments) in
the environment
This suggests that traits can influence motivated behavior
(approach and avoidance)even when emotionally-salient stimuli
are absent
And it may reflect enduring differences in the spontaneous, ongoing activity or connectivity of the brain (EEG, FDG-PET, restingstate fMRI)

Key Take Home Points for Todays

Meeting
Today, we reviewed evidence that T&P can also alter the probability
of encountering trait-relevant cues (rewards and punishments) in
the environment
This suggests that traits can influence motivated behavior
(approach and avoidance)even when emotionally-salient stimuli
are absent
And it may reflect enduring differences in the spontaneous, ongoing activity or connectivity of the brain

4 Critical Thinking Questions

Please respond to any 2

Critical Thinking
Question #1

Critical Thinking
Question
#1
Contrary to Gable, other research indicates that individuals
with high levels of N/NE encounter (or create/evoke) more
frequent negative life events and daily stressors (Magnus et al. 1993; Ormel &
Wohlfarth, 1991; Affleck et al. 1994; Bolger & Schilling 1991; Bolger & Zuckerman 1995; David et al 1997; Gunthert et al 1999; Suls et
al 1998; Middeldorp et al Psychol Med 2008 and cites therein; Fergusson & Horwood 1987; Poulton & Andrews APS 1992; Kendler et al
PM 2003; Magnus, Diener et al JPSP 1993; van Os et al BMJ 2001).

E.g., Bolger & Schilling estimated that the heightened

negative mood characteristic of high-N/NE individuals reflects:
~60% baseline differences in neg mood in the
absence of trait-relevant stimuli
~25% hyper-reactivity to daily hassles and stressors
~15% increased exposure to negative events (mostly interpersonal
conflict)

Why didnt Gable see this differential exposure?

Might it reflect her use of the BIS/BAS scales?

Critical Thinking
Question
#1
Contrary to Gable, other research indicates that individuals
with high levels of N/NE encounter (or create/evoke) more
frequent negative life events and daily stressors (Magnus et al. 1993; Ormel &
Wohlfarth, 1991; Affleck et al. 1994; Bolger & Schilling 1991; Bolger & Zuckerman 1995; David et al 1997; Gunthert et al 1999; Suls et
al 1998; Middeldorp et al Psychol Med 2008 and cites therein; Fergusson & Horwood 1987; Poulton & Andrews APS 1992; Kendler et al
PM 2003; Magnus, Diener et al JPSP 1993; van Os et al BMJ 2001).

E.g., Bolger & Schilling estimated that the heightened

negative mood characteristic of high-N/NE individuals reflects:
~60% baseline differences in negative mood in the
absence of trait-relevant stimuli
~25% hyper-reactivity to daily hassles and stressors
~15% increased exposure to negative events (mostly interpersonal
conflict)

Why didnt Gable see this differential exposure?

Might it reflect her use of the BIS/BAS scales?

Critical Thinking
Question
#1
Contrary to Gable, other research indicates that individuals
with high levels of N/NE encounter (or create/evoke) more
frequent negative life events and daily stressors (Magnus et al. 1993; Ormel &
Wohlfarth, 1991; Affleck et al. 1994; Bolger & Schilling 1991; Bolger & Zuckerman 1995; David et al 1997; Gunthert et al 1999; Suls et
al 1998; Middeldorp et al Psychol Med 2008 and cites therein; Fergusson & Horwood 1987; Poulton & Andrews APS 1992; Kendler et al
PM 2003; Magnus, Diener et al JPSP 1993; van Os et al BMJ 2001).

E.g., Bolger & Schilling estimated that the heightened

negative mood characteristic of high-N/NE individuals reflects:
~60% baseline differences in negative mood in the
absence of trait-relevant stimuli
~25% hyper-reactivity to daily hassles and stressors
~15% increased exposure to negative events (mostly interpersonal
conflict)

Why didnt Gable see this differential exposure?

Might it reflect her use of the BIS/BAS scales?

Critical Thinking
Question
#1
Contrary to Gable, other research indicates that individuals
with high levels of N/NE encounter (or create/evoke) more
frequent negative life events and daily stressors (Magnus et al. 1993; Ormel &
Wohlfarth, 1991; Affleck et al. 1994; Bolger & Schilling 1991; Bolger & Zuckerman 1995; David et al 1997; Gunthert et al 1999; Suls et
al 1998; Middeldorp et al Psychol Med 2008 and cites therein; Fergusson & Horwood 1987; Poulton & Andrews APS 1992; Kendler et al
PM 2003; Magnus, Diener et al JPSP 1993; van Os et al BMJ 2001).

E.g., Bolger & Schilling estimated that the heightened

negative mood characteristic of high-N/NE individuals reflects:
~60% baseline differences in negative mood in the
absence of trait-relevant stimuli
~25% hyper-reactivity to daily hassles and stressors
~15% increased exposure to negative events (mostly interpersonal
conflict)

Why didnt Gable see this differential exposure?

Might it reflect her use of the BIS/BAS scales?

The Scales

BIS
Even if something bad is about to happen to me, I rarely experience fear or
nervousness.
I feel pretty worried or upset when I think or know somebody is angry at me.
If I think something unpleasant is going to happen I usually get pretty
"worked up."
I feel worried when I think I have done poorly at something important.
I have very few fears compared to my friends.
I worry about making mistakes.
Criticism or scolding hurts me quite a bit.
Notice
1. Many of the items are focused on situations where overt threat is
absent, distal, or ambiguous
2. None directly indexes avoidance or inhibition, contrary to The
Theory

BAS
I go out of my way to get things I want.
When I'm doing well at something I love to keep at it.
I'm always willing to try something new if I think it will be fun.
When I get something I want, I feel excited and energized.
When I want something I usually go all-out to get it.
I will often do things for no other reason than that they might be fun.
If I see a chance to get something I want I move on it right away.
When I see an opportunity for something I like I get excited right away.
I often act on the spur of the moment.
When good things happen to me, it affects me strongly.
I crave excitement and new sensations.
When I go after something I use a "no holds barred" approach.
It would excite me to win a contest.

Critical Thinking
Question #2

Critical Thinking
Question #2

In prior lectures, we have discussed the potential

limitations of introspective self-report measures
of T&P (e.g., insensitivity to processes that lie
outside of conscious awareness, biases,
mnemonic artifacts, mash-up readout).
To what degree might Gables results reflect
trait-like differences in the way that people think
about, rate, appraise, or label their emotions
and daily experiences, rather than true
differences in emotional states or stress
exposure? How might one circumvent this in
future research?

Critical Thinking
Question #2

In prior lectures, we have discussed the potential

limitations of introspective self-report measures
of T&P (e.g., insensitivity to processes that lie
outside of conscious awareness, biases,
mnemonic artifacts, mash-up readout).
To what degree might Gables results reflect
trait-like differences in the way that people think
about, rate, appraise, or label their emotions
and daily experiences, rather than true
differences in emotional states or stress
exposure? How might one circumvent this in
future research?

Critical Thinking
Question #3

Critical Thinking
Question #3

Individuals characterized by low

BAS are vulnerable to depression

Low BAS

Increased p(MDD Dx)

Briefly describe why this might be so

using the key results from the Gable
study. Briefly describe a study that would
allow you to test your hypothesis.

Watson Ann Rev Clin Psychol 20

Critical Thinking
Question #3

Individuals characterized by low

BAS are vulnerable to depression

Low BAS

Why ????

Increased p(MDD Dx)

Briefly describe why this might be so

using the key results from the Gable
study. Briefly describe a study that would
allow you to test your hypothesis.

Watson Ann Rev Clin Psychol 20

Critical Thinking
Question #4

In prior lectures, we have discussed the

potential limitations of introspective selfreport measures of T&P (e.g., insensitivity to
processes that lie outside of conscious
awareness, biases, mnemonic artifacts, mashup readout).
To what degree might Gables results reflect
trait-like differences in the way that people
think about, rate, appraise, or label their
emotions and daily experiences, rather than
true differences in emotional states? How
might one circumvent this in future research?

Critical Thinking
Question #4

Today, I suggested that BAS influences

exposure to positive events via approach
behaviors
(e.g., attending or organizing a party)
Briefly describe another possible
explanatory mechanisms
For example, might high-BAS individuals
evoke more positive reactions from others?

Critical Thinking
Question #4

Today, I suggested that BAS influences

exposure to positive events via approach
behaviors
(e.g., attending or organizing a party)
Briefly describe another possible
explanatory mechanism. For example,
might high-BAS individuals evoke different
reactions from other individuals? Does it feel
different to interact with people who are
prone to approach and pos aff?

Critical Thinking
Question #4

Today, I suggested that BAS influences

exposure to positive events via approach
behaviors
(e.g., attending or organizing a party)
Briefly describe another possible
explanatory mechanism. For example,
might high-BAS individuals evoke different
reactions from other individuals? Does it
feel different to interact with people who
are prone to approach and pos aff?

The End

Stuff for Future

Semesters

Clark & Watson (1991)synthesized the accumulating evidence into

their tripartite model of depression and anxiety. This model grouped
depression and anxiety symptoms into three basic subtypes. First,
many symptoms are strong indicators of a general distress or
negative affect factor. This nonspecific group includes both anxious
and depressed mood, as well as other symptoms that are prevalent in
both depression and anxiety. The other two symptom groups
represent the unique, distinguishing aspects of each syndrome:
somatic hyperarousal (e.g., shortness of breath, dizziness) is specific
to anxiety, whereas anhedonia and low positive mood (e.g., loss of
interest, feeling that nothing is enjoyable) are relatively specific to
depression. Barlow and his colleagues subsequently articulated a
similar three-factor model (Barlow et al. 1996,Chorpita et al. 1998).

Watson Ann Rev Clin Psychol 20

Shackman et al., Psychol Sci, 20

xx

Moods, thoughts, and behavior are

determined by

A. The situation
B. T&P
C. Both

Longitudinal research studies

A. Provide strong evidence that

antecedants (childhood)
predict consequences
(adulthood), a precondition
for establishing causation
B. Complex, costly, and timeconsuming
C. Can not prove causation,
because they do not
manipulate the putative
cause of the outcome
D. All of the above

The key take home point from

Blocks critique is that the FFM
A. Is a bunch of hooey
B. Reflects the
fundamental nature
of T&P
C. Is a convenient
short-hand, a
sometimes useful
fiction that begs for
additional research

The Five Factor Model (FFM) is predicated on

the lexical hypothesis, the assumption that
the deep structure of T&P is embedded in our
natural language, waiting to be discovered.
What are some concerns with this
assumption?

A. Meaningful aspects of T&P

may not be captured by single
word
B. Key aspects of T&P might be
too complex for single words,
requiring phrases, sentences,
or even whole paragraphs of
words
C. No guarantee that words
(natural language) will permit
the expression of scientifically
crucial aspects of personality
D. All of the above