Behavioural Inhibition System

A general motivation system that underlies behaviour and affect. The behavioural inhibition system regulates aversive motivation, is sensitive to signals of punishment, nonreward, and novelty. Activation of this system causes the person to inhibit behaviour that may lead to negative or painful outcomes.

Reference:
Carver, C. S., & White, T. L. (1994). Behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and affective responses to impending reward and punishment: the BIS/BAS scales. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(2), 319-333. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.67.2.319.