Emotional reactivity and perseveration: Independent dimensions of trait positive and negative affectivity and differential associations with psychological distress. (15th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boyes, Mark E; Carmody, Thea M; Clarke, Patrick J F; Hasking, Penelope A
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 105(2017)
• Page Start: 70
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2017-01-15
• Subjects: Positive affect -- Negative affect -- Emotional reactivity -- Emotional perseveration -- Psychological distress -- Depression -- Anxiety -- Stress; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.09.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Theoretically, two types of emotional responding could underlie individual differences in trait affect: 1) a disposition reflecting increased probability of experiencing positive or negative emotions (emotional reactivity), and 2) a disposition to experience prolonged emotional reactions once elicited (emotional perseveration). We developed a measure of these dimensions and investigated whether emotional reactivity and perseveration 1) account for unique variance in trait affect, and 2) are differentially associated with symptoms of psychological distress. Method: In Study 1, participants (T1: n = 90; T2: n = 51) completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Emotional Reactivity and Perseveration Scale (ERPS, adapted from the PANAS). In study 2, participants ( n = 228) completed the PANAS, ERPS, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Results: Study 1 established the basic psychometric properties of the ERPS and demonstrated that emotional reactivity and perseveration accounted for unique variance in trait positive and negative effect. Study 2 confirmed these findings and established that emotional reactivity and perseveration are differentially associated with depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Conclusion: Emotional reactivity and perseveration represent independent dimensions of trait affect. Considering these dimension in future research could further the understanding of both normal emotional responding and emotional vulnerability. Highlights: We propose two dimensions of trait emotion (emotional reactivity and perseveration). We establish the psychometric properties of a measure of these dimensions. Reactivity and perseveration account for unique variance in trait PA and NA. Reactivity and perseveration are differentially associated with psychological distress.