Comparing the behavioral activation/inhibition systems and personality traits among the diabetic and non-diabetic women

One of the important topics in the field of health psychology is the personality traits of individuals suffering from diabetes. The present study aimed to compare the behavioral activation (BAS) and behavioral inhibition systems (BIS) and personality traits among diabetic and non-diabetic women. In this descriptive-comparative study, 40 diabetic women referred to Sina diabetes center in Tabriz (during 2011-2012) were compared with 40 non-diabetic ones. Data were collected through the BAS/BIS scale and Eysenk personality questionnaire. The scores of neurosis (N) in diabetic women were higher than those for non-diabetic women (P<0.001). Results also showed that the level of BIS in diabetic women were significantly higher than that for non-diabetic women; however, the levels of BAS and BAS subsystems (impulsivity/fun seeking, drive, and reward responsiveness) in diabetic women were lower than those for non-diabetic women. It can be concluded that neurosis and high levels of BIS sensitivity can facilitate diabetes outbreaks. Thus, these factors along with several other factors can be effective to predict the prevalence of diabetes.