The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ): Development and validation.

We report the development and validation of a questionnaire measure of the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (rRST) of personality.Starting with qualitative responses to defensive and approach scenarios modelled on typical rodent ethoexperimental situations, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a robust six-factor structure: two unitary defensive factors, fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS, related to fear) and the behavioral inhibition system (BIS, related to anxiety); and four behavioral approach system (BAS) factors (Reward Interest, Goal-Drive Persistence, Reward Reactivity, and Impulsivity).For the FFFS and BIS, theoretically motivated thematic facets were employed to sample the breadth of defensive space, comprising: FFFS (Flight, Freeze, and Active Avoidance); and BIS (Motor Planning Interruption, Worry, Obsessive Thoughts, and Behavioral Disengagement).Based on theoretical considerations, and statistically confirmed, a separate scale for Defensive Fight was developed.Validation evidence for the six-factor structure came from convergent and discriminant validity shown by correlations with existing personality scales.We offer the 'RST-PQ' to facilitate future research specifically on rRST and, more broadly, on approach-avoidance theories of personality.