International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine

Abstract

Background: Gray’s revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (r-RST) is a neuropsychological
explanation of personality that has been broadly used in substance use disorders. Although the
Behavioral Approach System (BAS) is strongly related to nicotine dependence, findings in
Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) are controversial and there is little information about the
role of the Fight/Flight/Freeze System (FFFS) in nicotine dependence. The purpose of the
present study was to evaluate the mediating role of Risky Decision Making (RDM) in this
relationship to clarify the controversy and fill the gap.
Methods: The final sample of this correlation study comprised of 347 university students (age,
Mean±SD 23.2±6.7) who completed two self-report measures, including the Fagerstrom Test
For Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Jackson-5 questionnaire of r-RST, and a computerized
Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to measure RDM. Pearson correlation and a path analysis
framework were used to determine the simple, direct, and indirect effects of r-RST systems on
nicotine dependence severity through RDM.
Results: Using Amos, path analyses demonstrated significant direct and indirect effects of
BAS and FFFS/BIS on tobacco use. Also, the relationship between BAS/FFFS/BIS and
tobacco use was shown to be mediated by RDM.
Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the relationship among BAS /FFFS/BIS and tobacco
use can be partly explained using maladaptive RDM strategies, suggesting that decreasing
reliance on decision-making in risky situations, while increasing the use of decision-making
skills educations in risky situations, and increasing the use of alternative sensation and fun
seeking by smoking and emotion regulation and mindfulness-based therapies