Reaching our Goals: The Influence of BIS/BAS, Valenced Distractors and Gender on Goal Attainment

Introduction: This study examined the relationship between goal attainment in the context of valenced distractors, the behavioural approach system (BAS), the behavioural inhibition system (BIS), and the moderating role of gender. It was hypothesized that 1) with a higher BAS-Reward score, participants will deviate more towards a reward distractor, 2) with a higher BAS-Reward score, participants will have larger reaction times with a reward distractor, 3) with a higher BIS-score, participants will deviate more away from a punishment distractor, 4) with a higher BIS-score, participants will have a larger reaction time with a punishment distractor and 5) gender moderated the four previous hypotheses. Methods: In this experimental, within subject study design, participants (N=32) completed a conditioning task and a hand movement task, and filled out a self-report questionnaire that measures BIS/BAS tendencies. The obtained participant sample was balanced in terms of gender and had an...Show moreIntroduction: This study examined the relationship between goal attainment in the context of valenced distractors, the behavioural approach system (BAS), the behavioural inhibition system (BIS), and the moderating role of gender. It was hypothesized that 1) with a higher BAS-Reward score, participants will deviate more towards a reward distractor, 2) with a higher BAS-Reward score, participants will have larger reaction times with a reward distractor, 3) with a higher BIS-score, participants will deviate more away from a punishment distractor, 4) with a higher BIS-score, participants will have a larger reaction time with a punishment distractor and 5) gender moderated the four previous hypotheses. Methods: In this experimental, within subject study design, participants (N=32) completed a conditioning task and a hand movement task, and filled out a self-report questionnaire that measures BIS/BAS tendencies. The obtained participant sample was balanced in terms of gender and had an age range of 18 to 35 years old. Results: The results of this study did not reveal any significant effects for BIS and BAS-Reward on goal attainment, measured by maximum absolute distance and reaction time. As no significant results were obtained, it was not possible to perform a moderation analysis with gender as the moderator. Conclusion: Within this research it did not become apparent if being approach- or avoidance- oriented had an influence on goal attainment in the context of valenced distractors. Nor was it possible to see if gender moderated these effects. Reasons as to why no effects were visible had to do with e.g. the low sample size and the possible decreasing conditioning effect during the hand movement task. Therefore, further research should look into these two limitations.Show less

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Reaching our Goals: The Influence of BIS/BAS, Valenced Distractors and Gender on Goal Attainment