This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMl films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer.The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction.In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMl a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion.Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps.Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMl directly to order. The relationships among several variables that have been demonstrated to relate to one another and to positive human functioning were examined. The variables included in the study are Extraversion, Neuroticism, positive and negative affect, self-efficacy, self-esteem, optimism, locus of control, and emotional intelligence. The primary goals of the study were to determine whether an underlying element of adaptability could explain the previously reported overlap among these constructs, to examine the predictive ability of these constructs with regard to academic success, and to engage in exploratory investigation of the construct of emotional intelligence. Participants were 316 undergraduate students (211 female, 105 male). A factor analysis was conducted using all the variables, including several that were included for purposes of disconfirmation. The variables predicted to be related to adaptability (listed above) loaded on the first two factors, labeled Reflective Adaptability and Agentic Adaptability. Other variables not expected to be related to adaptability loaded on the remaining three factors. In addition, six detailed hypotheses were formulated based on previous findings and theoretical principles. Most hypotheses were supported, and most expected relationships were found. In general, the conceptualization of an underlying element of adaptability was supported, because of the factor analytic results and because variables expected to be included in this construct were found to have much stronger relationships with one another than they did with variables that were not expected to be included in the construct of adaptability (e.g., Holland theme self-efficacy). Nevertheless, 2 there was also support for the conceptualization of variables included in the study as distinct constructs that are independen...