Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS): A Review
Abstract
The Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) is a cognitive-affective system that is associated with responding to cues of potential threat and punishment. It is hypothesized to be associated with the processing of aversive information, regulating approach-avoidance behavior, and helping to maintain an individual’s internal sense of safety and security. This review article provides an overview of the BIS, its underlying neural mechanisms and cognitive-affective components, and its role in responses to threat and punishment. We discuss research on the strength of the BIS, its potential moderating effects on affective states, and its role in anxiety and depression. We conclude by considering the implications of this research for the treatment of mental health disorders.
Keywords: Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), Cognitive-Affective Components, Neural Mechanisms, Anxiety, Depression
Introduction
The Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) is a cognitive-affective system that is associated with responding to cues of potential threat and punishment. It is hypothesized to be associated with the processing of aversive information, regulating approach-avoidance behavior, and helping to maintain an individual’s internal sense of safety and security (Gray, 1981). The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of the BIS, its underlying neural mechanisms and cognitive-affective components, and its role in responses to threat and punishment. We will discuss research on the strength of the BIS, its potential moderating effects on affective states, and its role in anxiety and depression. We will conclude by considering the implications of this research for the treatment of mental health disorders.
Theoretical Background
The BIS is one of three cognitive-affective systems proposed by Gray (1981) to explain individual differences in behavior. The other two systems are the Fight-Flight System (FFS) and the Behavioral Activation System (BAS). The FFS is associated with responding to cues of danger and aggression, whereas the BAS is associated with responding to cues of reward and approach. The BIS is hypothesized to be associated with the processing of aversive information and regulating approach-avoidance behavior. It is thought to be involved in the detection of potential danger and the inhibition of behavior in order to maintain safety and security (Gray, 1987; Gray & Braver, 1988).
Neural Mechanisms
The BIS is believed to be associated with the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex (Gray, 1987; Gray & Braver, 1988). The limbic system is responsible for the processing of emotional stimuli and the regulation of affective states. It is composed of structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate cortex, and hypothalamus. The amygdala is believed to be particularly important in the processing of aversive information (LeDoux, 1998). The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher-order cognitive processes such as planning, decision-making, and the regulation of behavior. It is believed to be involved in the inhibition of behavior in response to aversive stimuli (Gray, 1987; Gray & Braver, 1988).
Cognitive-Affective Components
The BIS is composed of several cognitive-affective components, including the detection of aversive information, the inhibition of behavior, and the maintenance of safety and security. The detection of aversive information is thought to be associated with the amygdala and its ability to detect potential danger or punishment (LeDoux, 1998). The inhibition of behavior is associated with the prefrontal cortex and its role in the regulation of behavior (Gray, 1987; Gray & Braver, 1988). Finally, the maintenance of safety and security is associated with the limbic system and its role in the regulation of affective states (Gray, 1987).
Strength of the BIS
The strength of the BIS is believed to be associated with individual differences in responses to aversive stimuli (Gray, 1987; Gray & Braver, 1988). Individuals with a strong BIS are thought to be more sensitive to cues of potential danger and punishment, and thus more likely to inhibit their behavior in order to maintain safety and security. Conversely, individuals with a weak BIS are thought to be less sensitive to cues of potential danger and punishment, and thus less likely to inhibit their behavior in order to maintain safety and security.
Moderating Effects on Affective States
The strength of the BIS is thought to have a moderating effect on affective states. Individuals with a strong BIS are thought to be more likely to experience negative affective states in response to aversive stimuli, whereas individuals with a weak BIS are thought to be less likely to experience negative affective states in response to aversive stimuli (Gray, 1987; Gray & Braver, 1988).
Role in Anxiety and Depression
The BIS is thought to be involved in the regulation of anxiety and depression (Gray, 1987; Gray & Braver, 1988). Individuals with a strong BIS are thought to be more likely to experience anxiety in response to aversive stimuli, whereas individuals with a weak BIS are thought to be less likely to experience anxiety in response to aversive stimuli. Similarly, individuals with a strong BIS are thought to be more likely to experience depression in response to aversive stimuli, whereas individuals with a weak BIS are thought to be less likely to experience depression in response to aversive stimuli.
Conclusion
This review article has provided an overview of the BIS, its underlying neural mechanisms and cognitive-affective components, and its role in responses to threat and punishment. We have discussed research on the strength of the BIS, its potential moderating effects on affective states, and its role in anxiety and depression. We have concluded by considering the implications of this research for the treatment of mental health disorders.
References
Gray, J. A. (1981). The neuropsychology of anxiety: An enquiry into the functions of the septo-hippocampal system. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gray, J. A. (1987). The psychology of fear and stress. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Gray, J. A., & Braver, T. S. (1988). Perspectives on anxiety and impulsivity: A commentary. Journal of Research in Personality, 22(4), 493–509.
LeDoux, J. E. (1998). The emotional brain: The mysterious underpinnings of emotional life. New York: Simon & Schuster.