强化敏感性人格理论述评

Gray的强化敏感性理论尝试从人类神经生理机制的角度来解释人格差异。该理论认为，在中枢神经系统内存在一些子系统，分别对奖励和惩罚的刺激信号敏感，并通过强化效应调节人们的行为和动机。目前研究者已开发出强化敏感性的测量方法，并进行了一系列实证研究。但随着研究的深入，该理论的局限逐渐暴露出来。针对这些局限，未来的研究应致力于：（1）用生理指标来验证理论假设；（2）探讨反映强化敏感性的特质；（3）考察认知因素与生物因素的交互作用

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality: A Commentary

Gray’s reinforcement sensitivity theory attempted to explain individual differences of personality through human neurophysiological mechanism. This theory argued that, some subsystems, assumed to come from the central nervous system, were sensitive to signal of reward and punishment stimuli respectively. These subsystems were also assumed to modulate people’s behavior and motivation by their reinforcing effects. To test this theory, several measurements about reinforcement sensitivity were developed, and associated empirical studies were conducted. However, some defects were found around this theory. To remedy these defects, according to the authors, future studies should be devoted: (1) to verify the theory hypotheses by means of physiological measurements; (2) to explore some appropriate personality traits which represent the reinforcement sensitivity; and (3) to investigate the interaction between cognitive and biological factors