City Research Online

Abstract

This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) using factor analyses, as well as relationships with well-established factors of personality – including the mediating role of personality traits between Fight-Flight- Freeze system (FFFS), Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), and Behavioral Approach System (BAS) subscales. The study recruited 1,813 Libyan participants across three subsamples, ranging in age from 18 to 66, through convenience and snowball sampling methods via online platforms. In three different subsamples, findings revealed a robust RST-PQ six-factor structure, distinguishing FFFS and BIS, alongside four distinct BAS subscales. Discriminant validity was assessed, indicting Moderate/strong correlations between BIS and Negative Emotionality, and BAS subscales and Extraversion. Moreover, associations with psychological symptoms highlighted BIS’s correlation with anxiety, depression, and stress, and correlations between BAS subscales and personality traits supported their construct validity. Fit indices for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were χ² = 30,944, df = 1,378, χ²/df = 22.01, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92, and RMSEA = 0.04, indicating an acceptable model fit. Gender differences showed females scoring higher in FFFS, BIS, Reward Reactivity, Impulsivity, and Panic responses. Furthermore, structural equation model revealed that personality traits mediated associations between FFFS and BIS, with BAS subscales showing differential predictive patterns. Additionally, separate scales of Defensive Fight and Panic were validated. This research provides the first validation of the RST-PQ in Arabic and highlights the mediating role of personality traits between FFFS, BIS and BAS subscales. Future studies should focus on cultural comparisons and further investigate the predictive validity of RST-PQ scales across different domains (e.g., clinical and occupational).

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-07066-2
Publisher Keywords:	Personality, Approach, Avoidance, Psychometrics, Mediation Role
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Psychology
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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