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Mykola Fomych - Ph.D. in Psychology, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Psychology of Activity in Special Conditions National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, Cherkasy (Ukraine)
ORCID 0000-0003-1253-2656
Vladyslav Papusha - Ph.D. in Psychology, Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute», Kyiv (Ukraine)
ORCID 0000-0002-7972-2465
DOI - https://doi.org/10.52363/dcpp-2025.2.8
Keywords: reliability, professional reliability, behavior, future technical specialists, activation system (BAS), inhibition system (BIS).
The article provides a theoretical analysis of contemporary concepts regarding the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), as well as their influence on the formation of professional reliability among future specialists in technical fields. The issue of human reliability is an important subject of psychological research, as it determines an individual’s ability to effectively perform professional tasks, particularly under conditions of stress, rapid change, or high demands. Mistakes in cognitive processes, disruptions in the regulation of mental states, and improper or untimely actions often manifest as indicators of psychological unreliability. The work examines the main factors influencing the development of professional reliability, including the level of preparedness and qualification of the specialist, working conditions, and individual psychological characteristics. The authors analyze the significance of the BAS and BIS systems proposed by Jeffrey Gray as two fundamental motivational mechanisms that regulate the emotional and behavioral responses of the individual. The BIS is responsible for avoiding danger and generating anxiety-related reactions, while the BAS activates reward-seeking behavior and stimulates goal attainment. The BIS is characterized by increased sensitivity to potential punishment, which is expressed in anxiety and avoidance of errors, and consequently contributes to maintaining predictability and stability in professional activity. The BAS determines active motivation for achievement, rapid responsiveness to opportunities, and energetic pursuit of new approaches to problem-solving. However, excessive sensitivity to BAS may lead to impulsive decisions, which can jeopardize reliability in critical situations.
The article also highlights the relationship between sensitivity to the BAS and BIS systems and such personality characteristics as optimism, impulsivity, and novelty seeking, as well as the correlation between BIS and levels of anxiety and neuroticism. The importance of developing balanced functioning of both systems - BAS and BIS is emphasized to ensure the professional reliability of future engineers. Such a balance makes it possible not only to minimize risks associated with impulsive decisions or delayed responses, but also to create conditions for adequate reaction to challenges and for maximum productivity in professional activity.