What Is Extraversion For? Integrating Trait and Motivational Perspectives and Identifying the Purpose of Extraversion

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the manifestation of extraversion (i.e., acting and being extraverted) in everyday behavior can be explained by intentional (functional) constructs, namely, goals. By using personality states as an outcome for specific, momentary goal pursuit, we were able to identify the function of extraversion states in everyday behavior. Using experience-sampling methodology, participants described their current state extraversion, goal pursuit, and state affect over ten days. Results show that eighteen selected goals predicted over 74 percent of the variance in state extraversion, meaning that both within-person and between-person fluctuations in state extraversion were strongly associated to changes in momentary goal pursuit. The eighteen goals also strongly predicted positive affect, which was partially mediated by state extraversion.

Whole Trait Theory

“…For example, researchers might discover the properties of relationships predictive of personality states in those relationships (Clifton, 2013). Others have begun to explore situational, work, cultural, motivational, and interpersonal processes involved in causing Big 5 personality states (Côté, Moskowitz, & Zuroff, 2012; Fleeson, 2007; Heller, Komar, & Lee, 2007; Huang & Ryan, 2011; Judge et al, 2013; McCabe & Fleeson, 2012; Read et al, 2010; Church et al, 2013). …”

“…Big 5 personality states are predictable from features of the situation (Bleidorn, 2009; Church et al, 2008; Clifton & Kuper, 2011; Côté et al, 2012; Fleeson, 2007; Fournier, Moskowitz, & Zuroff, 2009; Huang & Ryan, 2011; Judge et al, 2013). Big 5 personality states are also predictable from the goals an individual is pursuing at the moment (Bleidorn, 2009; Heller et al, 2007; McCabe & Fleeson, 2012; Perunovic et al, 2011). In fact, McCabe & Fleeson (2012) found that 50–75% of the variance in personality states is predictable from the goals people are working on at the moment.…”

“…Big 5 personality states are also predictable from the goals an individual is pursuing at the moment (Bleidorn, 2009; Heller et al, 2007; McCabe & Fleeson, 2012; Perunovic et al, 2011). In fact, McCabe & Fleeson (2012) found that 50–75% of the variance in personality states is predictable from the goals people are working on at the moment. Thus, it has been shown empirically that indeed enactment of Big 5 states is predictable from social-cognitive processes.…”

Are fluctuations in personality states more than fluctuations in affect?

“…For example, motives and roles may play a large influence in explaining why people's personality states vary from moment to moment (McCabe & Fleeson, 2012;Wood, 2007;Wood & Roberts, 2006). People may fluctuate in their daily desire to do well academically, and this may influence state conscientiousness.…”

Within- and between individual variability of personality characteristics and physical exercise

“…In a similar vein, workplace experiences and demands have been linked with fluctuations in personality states (Huang & Ryan, 2011;Minbashian, Wood, & Beckmann, 2010), as have been goals (McCabe & Fleeson, 2012) and social roles (Bleidorn, 2009). Wichers and colleagues (2012) studied time-series data on positive and negative affect in relation to changes in physical activity in a relatively large sample of female twins.…”