Investigation of the relationship between type D personality and sensitivity to reinforcement and latent anxiety

 Gray has provided a bio-ecological model of the character and personality based on brain-behavioral system, which constitutes basis for individual variants, and activities of each of them leads to different emotional responses, such as anxiety and other emotional states. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between type D personality and sensitivity to reinforcement and latent anxiety in students with type D personality.

For this purpose, 600 students (240 boys and 360 girls) from various faculties of Persian Gulf University who were studying in 2013-2014 academic year, were selected randomly using cluster sampling stage, completed type D personality scale, Jackson sensitivity to reinforcement (2009) and Spielberger Anxiety Inventories (1970). After screening, 111 patients were identified as type D personality, and finally, statistical data were analyzed through regression analysis.

The results obtained from regression analysis showed that type D personality has positive and significant relationship with variables of behavioral inhibition system and fight-flight and freeze system, and had negative significant correlation with behavioral activation system. Also, regression analysis results showed that type D personality had a positive and significant associated with latent anxiety in students.

According to the findings, determining the exact position of type D personality in personality systems which are based on bio-behavioral model, increase our understanding of mechanisms underlying properties of type D personality, emotions and emotional response.