A New Measure of the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory: Factor Structure and Validity of the rRST Questionnaire in the PATH Through Life Project

The reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) proposes that neurobiological systems mediate behavior and their functioning can be associated with personality. The functions and associations of RST systems were revised into fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS), behavioral approach/activation system (rBAS), and behavioral inhibition system (rBIS); however, there is limited study of the revised systems due to lack of validated measures. We investigated scale structure, sex invariance, and psychometric properties of the revised RST questionnaire (rRST-Q). The rRST-Q showed good fit as a 5-factor structure with free interfactor correlations and was sex invariant, and associations with personality and mental health measures were consistent with theory and literature. The rRST-Q is a reliable measure, and its use will help understand the link between brain, personality, and behavior.