Explaining the psychological symptoms in students based on Gray’s Biological Models of Personality

Introduction: According to Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), individual differences in the sensitivity of basic brain systems are thought to underlie the personality dimensions and to have relevance for psychopathology. The present study aims at studying the relationship between BIS/BAS and psychological symptoms. Methods: In this regard, 361 students (205 boys-156 girls) in Tabriz University were selected by cluster sampling method and then tested by symptom check list -90-R (SCL-90-R) and inventory of behaviour inhibition/activation systems. The data were analyzed via Pearson Correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression. Results: The results show that behavioural inhibition system has a significant relationship (p<0.05) with all the 9 symptoms. Also, regression results show that 1% of sensitivity and frequency of symptoms were explained by Behavioural inhibition system (BIS). Conclusion: It seems that the behavioural inhibition/activation systems (BIS/BAS) are one of the important components in explaining psychological symptoms, especially in the youth.