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Psychometric Properties of the Scores on the Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Scales in a Sample of Norwegian Children

University of Oslo

The primary aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the scores on a version for children of the Carver and White Behavioral Inhibition and Activation scales (the BIS—BAS scales). This involved administering the BIS—BAS scales, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised—Abbreviated, and the Achievement Motives Scale to a population of 661 Norwegian sixth graders. The findings reveal that the scores on the BIS—BAS scales for children have a theoretically meaningful factor structure as well as satisfactory convergent validity and reliability. However, the results indicate that the version for children of the BAS scale actually may consist of two subscales: one related to the experience of pleasurable affect and one to persistence in goal pursuit. To a large extent, the relationship with the other scales was as expected.

Key Words: behavioral inhibition • behavioral approach • factor analysis • reinforcement sensitivity theory • psychometric properties • BIS—BAS scales

This version was published on August 1, 2009

Educational and Psychological Measurement, Vol. 69, No. 4, 636-654 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0013164408323239


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