Relation of Reinforcement Sensitivity on Vocational Interest and Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Using the constructs of the behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS), as defined by the reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality, the purpose of this study was to determine new linkages between personality traits and interest/self-efficacy across Holland’s hexagon. Specifically, it was proposed that (a) the BAS would positively relate to global liking of vocational interest and negatively relate to global disliking of interest; (b) the BAS would positively relate to enterprising interest and social/enterprising self-efficacy; and (c) the BIS would negatively relate to realistic interest and self-efficacy in a sample of 265 college students. The hypotheses were mostly supported. The BAS was found to be meaningfully positively related to (a) global liking of vocational activities, (b) enterprising interest, and (c) social and enterprising self-efficacy. The BIS was found to be meaningfully negatively related to realistic interest but not realistic self-efficacy. Limitations, implications, and future research are discussed.

Self-Efficacy and Clinical Characteristics in Casual Gamers Compared to Excessive Gaming Users and Non-Gamers in Young Adults

“…One study showed that reduced self-efficacy was related to increased levels of the BAS in high-school students with substance abuse [ 36 ]. However, Baker et al (2017) reported BAS positively related to self-efficacy in terms of social confidence and enterprising confidence among undergraduate students [ 87 ]. It may be that the relationship between two constructs could be influenced by various factors such as the type of self-efficacy or specificity of samples, and the findings of this study also might be affected by such factors.…”

The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship between Approach Motivational System and Sports Success among Elite Speed Skating Athletes and Physical Education Students

“…The relationship between self-efficacy and BAS was found previously [46][47][48][49]. Sherman et al [49] argued that self-efficacy plays a vital role in performing a wide range of health behaviors [71].…”

“…Self-efficacy and BAS sensitivity are positively related to each other and to better performance [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. Research indicates that self-efficacy is associated positively with BAS and sensitivity to reward [ 47 ].…”

“…These positive emotions can maintain the systematic training that leads to high achievements in sports performance. The study on vocational interests among U.S. college students found a positive relationship of BAS with social and enterprising self-efficacy [ 46 ]. Other research regarding dental behavior (i.e., flossing) among undergraduate psychology students found an indirect effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between approach motivational orientation and health-related change considered as a goal to achieve health behavior [ 49 ].…”

“…Self-efficacy will play a mediating role in the relationship between BAS and predisposition to sports success, taking into account previously established associations between these variables [ 2 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ] and research on the mediating role of self-efficacy in the fields of academic achievement, management, and healthy behavior [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ].…”