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Reinforcement sensitivity theory, approach-affect and avoidance-affect

Warr, Peter; S�nchez-Cardona, Israel; Taneva, Stanimira; Vera, Maria; Bindl, Uta; Cifre-Gallego, Eva

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Authors

Peter Warr

Israel S�nchez-Cardona

Stanimira Taneva

Maria Vera

Uta Bindl

Eva Cifre-Gallego



Abstract

This paper brings together Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and other perspectives on wellbeing to test predictions about dimensions of affect which are linked to approach motivation or avoidance motivation. Valence and activation are jointly conceptualized as either approach-affect or avoidance-affect through the diagonal axes of an affective circumplex. Across four studies in three different countries, predictions about Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory’s Behavioural Activation System, Behavioural Inhibition System and Fight-Flight-Freeze System are found to be supported. Correlations with external variables are shown to depend on a wellbeing measure’s emphasis on approach or avoidance, such that affect and external features which both emphasise motivation to approach or to avoid yield substantially larger intercorrelations than do non-concordant
pairs. In addition, joining valence with activation is shown to yield correlational benefits as predicted. Implications of our perspective and operationalisation are reviewed, and specific research recommendations are made.

Citation

Warr, P., Sánchez-Cardona, I., Taneva, S., Vera, M., Bindl, U., & Cifre-Gallego, E. (2021). Reinforcement sensitivity theory, approach-affect and avoidance-affect. Cognition and Emotion, 35(4), 619-635. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2020.1855119

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 20, 2020
Online Publication Date Jan 19, 2021
Publication Date 2021
Deposit Date Nov 20, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Cognition and Emotion
Print ISSN 0269-9931
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 35
Issue 4
Pages 619-635
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2020.1855119
Keywords Approach; Avoidance; Activation; Valence; Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory; Wellbeing; Jobs
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5055828
Publisher URL http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/pcem20/current
Additional Information This is the Author’s Original Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Cognition and Emotion on 19 Jan 2021, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/02699931.2020.1855119

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