The relationships between the BIS and BAS, anger and responses to anger

The aim of the current study was to examine the relations of the Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) and the Behavioural Approach System (BAS) with anger and other responses in situations depicting anger provocation. In all, 36 male and 64 female pharmacy workers completed the BIS/BAS Scales, the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI), and the Anger Response Inventory (ARI). The BIS/BAS Scales have one scale for the BIS, and three subscales for the BAS (Reward Responsiveness, Drive, and Fun-Seeking). The ARI contains 23 anger scenarios. Participants were asked to imagine themselves in that scenario and then indicate how angry they would feel and how they would respond in that situation. It was found that the BIS and BAS-Drive related to STAXI trait anger, with the BIS relating to expressing anger inwardly and BAS-Drive negatively relating to the control of angry feelings. With the ARI scenarios, both BIS and BAS-Drive predicted Anger Arousal. When controlling for Anger Arousal, BAS-Fun Seeking significantly predicted aggressive responses to the anger scenarios, while BIS significantly predicted anger responses directed inwardly. The results are discussed in light of the relations between the BIS and BAS and anger.