Velocity explains the links between personality states and affect

Abstract

The present research examined whether perceived rate of progress toward a goal (velocity) mediated the relationships between personality states and affective states. Drawing from control theories of self-regulation, we hypothesized (i) that increased velocity would mediate the association between state extraversion and state positive affect, and (ii) that decreased velocity would mediate the association between state neuroticism and state negative affect. We tested these hypotheses in 2 experience sampling methodology studies that each spanned 2 weeks. Multilevel modeling analyses showed support for each of the bivariate links in our model, and multilevel path analyses supported our mediation hypotheses. We discuss implications for understanding the relations between personality states and affective states, control theories of self-regulation, and goal striving.

The pleasure of making a difference: Perceived social contribution explains the relation between extraverted behavior and positive affect.

“…However, by focusing on states, we examined the complementary question of why the affective and behavioral components of extraversion cohere. This approach is in line with the emerging focus in personality research on the dynamic links among various affective, behavioral, and cognitive states (e.g., Howell et al, 2016;Smillie, Wilt, et al, 2015;Wilt et al, 2016). From this perspective, our results suggest that social cognitions-specifically, perceptions of social contribution-may help to bind the affective and behavioral components of extraversion.…”

Inside the happy personality: Personality states, situation experience, and state affect mediate the relation between personality and affect

“…We analyzed 4381 ESM reports from 206 participants, of which 186 also completed the baseline and 154 completed the follow-up questionnaire. On average, participants completed 21.27 ESM reports (61%, SD = 11.30) which is -although slightly lower than typical -within the range for ESM studies (e.g., Fleeson, 2001Fleeson, , 2007McCabe & Fleeson, 2016;Wilt et al, 2012;Wilt et al, 2017).…”

“…Missing ESM reports are a rather common problem in ESM research. Our compliance rate was at the lower end of the range of similar studies (Fleeson, 2001(Fleeson, , 2007Howell et al, 2017;Leikas & Ilmarinen, 2017;McCabe & Fleeson, 2016;Wilt et al, 2012;Wilt et al, 2017). Although one study indicated that missing reports are not be associated with ESM-relevant variables (Sun, Rhemtulla, & Vazire, 2019), the implications of missing reports in ESM research are currently not yet well understood.…”

“…At this point, we additionally want to emphasize that the results we report here were acquired with an observational longitudinal study design that by its nature cannot directly test for causal effects (e.g., Ching et al, 2014;Wilt et al, 2017). Although research in this field typically focuses on the causal direction from personality to affect (e.g., Wilt et al, 2012;Yik & Russell, 2001), many recognize that causality probably also flows in the opposite direction (Wilt et al, 2012).…”

“…(3) Personality states are associated with state affect (path m1). There are several proposed mechanisms linking personality states to affective experiences: Personality states may serve to reach a goal (Wilt, Bleidorn, & Revelle, 2017), fulfill psychological needs (Howell et al, 2017), or decrease effort (Gallagher, Fleeson, & Hoyle, 2011), each of which would in turn be related to affect. Indeed, a compelling body of evidence has linked all Big Five personality states to more positive or less negative affective experiences (e.g., Ching et al, 2014;Fleeson et al, 2002;Howell et al, 2017;McNiel & Fleeson, 2006;Wilt et al, 2012), although research exploring mechanisms of this relation is rare.…”