Abstract
This study aimed to replicate Jiang and Tiliopoulos (Personality and Individual Differences, 68, 205–210, 2014) study on reinforcement sensitivity theory and adult attachment using the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised scale. Using a sample of 131 participants, this study was similar to Jiang and Tiliopoulos’s study in finding that the behavioural inhibition system and behavioural approach system (impulsivity) were positively related to attachment anxiety. However, Jiang and Tiliopoulos (Personality and Individual Differences, 68, 205–210, 2014) found the behavioural approach system (reward reactivity) negatively predicted attachment avoidance, whereas no effect was found in the current study. This study also found the behavioural inhibition system predicted attachment avoidance whereas no effect was found in Jiang and Tiliopoulos’s study. The effects that were found across both studies are considered to be robust and more research is needed regarding the differences between the studies.
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We thank Yixin Jiang for the friendly review.
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My thesis at Monash University contained two studies using the one set of data from participants. The first study was a replication study that I am submitting to Current Psychology. We confirm this article has not been published and is not under review at another journal. All authors have agreed to submit to Current Psychology. The second study in my thesis was published in the February 2019 edition of Personality and Individual Differences Journal.
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Highlights
• This study replicates Jiang and Tiliopoulos’ study on RST and adult attachment
• This study found RST-PQ BIS predicted attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance
• Both studies found BAS impulsivity predicted attachment anxiety
• The consistent results are considered to be robust
• Clarification is needed regarding the inconsistent results
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Shahzadi, K., Walker, B.R. Reinforcement sensitivity theory and adult attachment: A replication study. Curr Psychol 41, 1440–1446 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00685-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00685-5