The behavioral approach system (BAS)/reward hypersensitivity theory and the social zeitgeber theory are two biopsychosocial theories of bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) that may work together to explain affective dysregulation. The present study examined whether BAS sensitivity is associated with affective symptoms via (a) increased social rhythm disruption in response to BAS-relevant life events or (b) greater exposure to BAS events leading to social rhythm disruption and subsequent symptoms. Results indicated that high BAS individuals were more likely to experience social rhythm disruption following BAS-relevant events. Social rhythm disruption mediated the association between BAS-relevant events and symptoms (Hypothesis a). High BAS individuals experienced significantly more BAS-relevant events, which predicted greater social rhythm disruption, which predicted greater levels of affective symptoms (Hypothesis b). Individuals at risk for BSD may be sensitive to BAS-relevant stimuli, experience more BAS-relevant events, and experience affective dysregulation due to the interplay of the BAS and circadian rhythms.
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