ORCID
- Bacon, Alison: 0000-0003-4279-3814
Abstract
This study updates and synthesises research on the extent to which impulsive and antisocial disposition predicts everyday pro- and antisocial risk-taking behaviour. We use the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) of personality to measure approach, avoidance, and inhibition dispositions, as well as measures of Callous- Unemotional and psychopathic personalities. In an international sample of 454 respondents, results showed that RST, psychopathic personality, and callous-unemotional measures accounted for different aspects of risk-taking behaviour. Specifically, traits associated with ‘fearlessness’ related more to ‘prosocial’ (recreational and social) risk-taking, whilst traits associated with ‘impulsivity’ related more to ‘antisocial’ (ethical and health) risk-taking. Further, we demonstrate that psychopathic personality may be demonstrated by combining the RST and callousunemotional traits (high impulsivity, callousness, and low fear). Overall this study showed how impulsive, fearless and antisocial traits can be used in combination to identify pro- and anti-social risk-taking behaviours; suggestions for future research are indicated.
DOI
10.1016/j.paid.2018.02.039
Publication Date
2018-07-01
Publication Title
Personality and Individual Differences
Volume
128
ISSN
0191-8869
Embargo Period
2020-03-02
Organisational Unit
School of Psychology
First Page
162
Last Page
169
Recommended Citation
Satchell, L. P., L.P.., Bacon, A., Firth, J., & Corr, P. (2018) 'Risk as reward: Reinforcement sensitivity theory and psychopathic personality perspectives on everyday risk-taking', Personality and Individual Differences, 128, pp. 162-169. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2018.02.039
