The human brain is a complex organ that controls our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It contains several intricate systems that work in harmony to drive our actions and responses. Among these systems, the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) play crucial roles in motivating and guiding us towards short and long-term goals. Understanding how these systems operate can empower us to harness their power and unlock our full potential.
1. The Behavioral Activation System (BAS):
The BAS is a neural network responsible for initiating and reinforcing behavior that leads to reward or positive outcomes. It is primarily driven by anticipation of rewards and focuses on achieving pleasurable experiences. The BAS operates through the following mechanisms:
a) Goal Activation: The BAS promotes the activation of goals by heightening our sensitivity to potential rewards. It ignites motivation, optimism, and enthusiasm towards pursuing desired outcomes.
b) Approach Behavior: When the BAS is activated, it propels individuals to engage in approach behavior, seeking out opportunities and taking action to attain their goals. It is the driving force behind individuals who are proactive, risk-takers, and action-oriented.
c) Reward Sensitivity: The BAS amplifies our sensitivity to rewards, making positive outcomes more rewarding and reinforcing. It encourages individuals to persist in their efforts and persevere through challenges to secure the desired results.
2. The Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS):
In contrast to the BAS, the BIS is a neural network that detects potential threats or punishments, causing a pause or inhibition in behavior. The BIS operates by evaluating potential negative consequences and guiding individuals away from harm. The key mechanisms of the BIS include:
a) Risk Assessment: The BIS evaluates the potential risks and negative consequences associated with specific actions or situations. It heightens our sensitivity to potential threats, promoting caution and inhibition when confronted with uncertain or potentially dangerous scenarios.
b) Avoidance Behavior: When the BIS is activated, individuals tend to engage in avoidance behavior, aiming to steer clear of perceived threats or punishments. It leads to a more cautious, conservative approach, as individuals prioritize safety and security over immediate rewards.
c) Alertness to Cues: The BIS increases our vigilance and attentiveness to cues that signal potential harm or negative outcomes. This heightened sensitivity allows individuals to adapt their behavior accordingly and avoid potential pitfalls.
3. Short-Term and Long-Term Goal Orientation:
Both the BAS and BIS systems play integral roles in our pursuit of short-term and long-term goals. While the BAS focuses on immediate rewards and pleasurable experiences, the BIS acts as a protective mechanism, ensuring our actions align with long-term well-being. Here's how they operate in relation to different goals:
a) Short-Term Goals: When pursuing short-term goals, the BAS takes the lead. It fuels our motivation, enthusiasm, and perseverance, pushing us towards immediate rewards. The BIS acts as a modulating system, assessing potential risks associated with short-term actions, preventing impulsive or harmful behaviors that may undermine our overall well-being.
b) Long-Term Goals: Long-term goals require a delicate balance between the BAS and BIS. The BAS drives our motivation and action towards the desired outcomes, while the BIS evaluates the potential risks, guiding us to make prudent decisions that support our long-term well-being. The BIS helps us consider the consequences of our actions, enabling us to make strategic choices that align with our ultimate goals.
The BAS and BIS systems are integral to our daily lives, shaping our behaviors and driving us towards short and long-term goals. By understanding their functions, we can harness their power effectively. Balancing the pursuit of immediate rewards with long-term well-being, we can prescriptively plan for and better navigate dynamic nature of pre-season, during season, and post season expectations, cognitive exertion and motivation. Personality traits help explain individual propensity towards each reward system, enabling management to make informed decisions on how to achieve sustainable alignment between individual goals, well-being, and organizational needs. Part 2 breaks down how each of the Big 5 Personality Traits influence the BIS /BAS reward systems.