A psychometric exploration of the specificity of reinforcement sensitivity and social needs

Abstract

Reinforcement sensitivity theory is often used as a larger framework to explore individual differences in reinforcement sensitivity, but a core assumption—that sensitivity is indifferent to the type of reinforcer—has rarely been considered. Similarly, research into loneliness often neglects a key component: social needs. Despite stating that individuals possess varying social needs, appropriate reinforcement questionnaires are lacking. This study aims to explore both issues, by developing a psychometric measure, the Social Reward Sensitivity Questionnaire (SRSQ), while administering Carver and White's (1994) BIS/BAS scale, and measuring extraversion and sensitivity to food reinforcers. Based on a 1003 representative Danish participants, food and social reinforcement sensitivity appear to be distinct yet related sensitivities. The SRSQ was developed using Item Response Theory to be a broad-trait measure without differential item functioning for both biological gender and age. All data and the R code used for statistical analyses are available in the supplementary material.