Reward Hypersensitivity Model

The reward hypersensitivity model is a theoretical framework suggesting some of us have an unusually strong or reactive response to rewarding stimuli and goal-related cues. In response to opportunities or successes occurring, heightened sensitivity may lead to amplified motivation, emotional activation, and behavioral engagement. While such sensitivity can support creativity and goal pursuit, it may also contribute to dysregulated activation in vulnerable individuals, potentially playing a role in mood variability. In bipolar research, reward hypersensitivity is hypothesized to be a mechanism that increases susceptibility to mania/hypomania in response to goal-related success or reward cues. This conceptual model is used to help explain individual differences in how reward-related experiences influence emotional and behavioral patterns. Also see: Reward Sensitivity, Behavioral Approach System (BAS), and Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST)