Effects of the Interaction between Affective Temperaments and BIS/BAS on Depressive Symptoms in Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder

Depressive symptoms (DepS) associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) are influenced by affective temperaments (ATs), behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and behavioral activation system (BAS). However, the effect of interactions between ATs and BIS/BAS on DepS in MDD remains poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of these interactions. The Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A), BIS/BAS questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate ATs, BIS/BAS, and DepS, respectively, in 90 participants with MDD. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis to assess the interaction effect. The interaction (β = 0.199, p < 0.05) between depressive temperament (DepT) (β = 0.319, p < 0.01) and BIS scores (β = 0.300, p < 0.01) exhibited a significant positive effect on DepS (ΔR2 = 0.038, p < 0.05). However, the interaction between ATs and BAS scores did not exhibit a significant effect on DepS. Our findings suggest that interactions between BIS sensitivity and DepT worsen DepS in individuals with MDD. Hence, to manage DepS associated with BIS sensitivity and DepT, evaluating their interaction may be useful in daily clinical practice. This study presents important insights into MDD psychopathology.