A reinforcement sensitivity theory explanation of antisocial behaviour

Bacon, Alison, Corr, Philip and Satchell, Liam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8805-4884 (2018) A reinforcement sensitivity theory explanation of antisocial behaviour. Personality and Individual Differences, 123. pp. 87-93. ISSN 0191-8869

[thumbnail of Bacon Corr Satchell 2018.pdf]
Preview
PDF
Bacon Corr Satchell 2018.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (649kB) | Preview

Abstract

A comprehensive explanation of antisocial behaviour (ASB) needs to focus on both individual differences in personality and life events as potentially predisposing factors. The current studies investigated the relative influence of both of these in males and females. We used the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) of personality to investigate the extent to which dispositional approach and avoidance tendencies relate to ASB. In the first study, 287 participants reported their engagement in ASB and completed the RST Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ). In the second study, a new sample of 282 participants completed the same measures as well as reporting the extent to which they had experienced life strains. Results from both studies showed a positive association between goal-drive persistence and ASB in males; while in females, a positive association was found between impulsivity and ASB. In Study 2, life strains explained further variance in ASB and this also show a gender differentiation: in males, there was a stronger relationship between financial strains and ASB while females showed an association between relational strains and ASB. Overall, results suggested that ASB is more pronounced in the male sample with an instrumental purpose while in the female sample personal life events are of more relevance.

Item Type: Article
Identifier: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.11.008
Additional Information: © 2017. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Keywords: Reinforcement sensitivity theory; Antisocial behaviour; Strain; Sex-differences
Subjects: Law and criminal justice > Criminal justice > Criminology
Psychology
Depositing User: Liam Satchell
Date Deposited: 13 Nov 2017 13:16
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2024 15:54
URI: https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/4141

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Menu