scholarly journals Enacted Extraversion as a Well-Being Enhancing Strategy in Everyday Life: Testing Across Three, Week-Long Interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zack M. van Allen ◽  
Deanna L. Walker ◽  
Tamir Streiner ◽  
John M. Zelenski
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Strong Evidence ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Testing ◽  
Control Task ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Moment ◽  
And Control

Lab-based experiments and observational data have consistently shown that extraverted behavior is associated with elevated levels of positive affect. This association typically holds regardless of one’s dispositional level of trait extraversion, and individuals who enact extraverted behaviors in laboratory settings do not demonstrate costs associated with acting counter-dispositionally. Inspired by these findings, we sought to test the efficacy of week-long ‘enacted extraversion’ interventions. In three studies, participants engaged in fifteen minutes of assigned behaviors in their daily life for five consecutive days. Studies 1 and 2 compared the effect of adding more introverted or extraverted behavior (or a control task). Study 3 compared the effect of adding social extraverted behavior or non-social extraverted behavior (or a control task). We assessed positive affect and several indicators of well-being during pretest (day 1) and post-test (day 7), as well as ‘in-the-moment’ (days 2-6). Participants who engaged in extraverted behavior reported greater levels of positive affect ‘in-the-moment’ when compared to introverted and control behaviors. We did not observe strong evidence to suggest that this effect was more pronounced for dispositional extraverts. The current research explores the effects of extraverted behavior on other indicators of well-being and examines the effectiveness of acting extraverted (both socially and non-socially) as a well-being strategy.

scholarly journals Enacted Extraversion as a Well-Being Enhancing Strategy in Everyday Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zack van Allen ◽  
Deanna Walker ◽  
Tamir Streiner ◽  
John M. Zelenski
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Observational Data ◽  
Strong Evidence ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Task ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Moment ◽  
And Control

Lab-based experiments and observational data have consistently shown that extraverted behavior is associated with elevated levels of positive affect. This association typically holds regardless of one’s dispositional level of trait extraversion, and individuals who enact extraverted behaviors in laboratory settings do not demonstrate costs associated with acting counter-dispositionally. Inspired by these findings, we sought to test the efficacy of week-long ‘enacted extraversion’ interventions. In three studies, participants engaged in fifteen minutes of assigned behaviors in their daily life for five consecutive days. Studies 1 and 2 compared the effect of adding more introverted or extraverted behavior (or a control task). Study 3 compared the effect of adding social extraverted behavior or non-social extraverted behavior (or a control task). We assessed positive affect and several indicators of well-being during pretest (day 1) and post-test (day 7), as well as ‘in-the-moment’ (days 2-6). Participants who engaged in extraverted behavior reported greater levels of positive affect ‘in-the-moment’ when compared to introverted and control behaviors. We did not observe strong evidence to suggest that this effect was more pronounced for dispositional extraverts. The current research explores the effects of extraverted behavior on other indicators of well-being and examines the effectiveness of acting extraverted (both socially and non-socially) as a well-being strategy.

scholarly journals Enacted Extraversion as a Well-Being Enhancing Strategy in Everyday Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zack van Allen ◽  
Deanna Walker ◽  
Tamir Streiner ◽  
John M. Zelenski
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Observational Data ◽  
Strong Evidence ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Task ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Moment ◽  
And Control

Lab-based experiments and observational data have consistently shown that extraverted behavior is associated with elevated levels of positive affect. This association typically holds regardless of one’s dispositional level of trait extraversion, and individuals who enact extraverted behaviors in laboratory settings do not demonstrate costs associated with acting counter-dispositionally. Inspired by these findings, we sought to test the efficacy of week-long ‘enacted extraversion’ interventions. In three studies, participants engaged in fifteen minutes of assigned behaviors in their daily life for five consecutive days. Studies 1 and 2 compared the effect of adding more introverted or extraverted behavior (or a control task). Study 3 compared the effect of adding social extraverted behavior or non-social extraverted behavior (or a control task). We assessed positive affect and several indicators of well-being during pretest (day 1) and post-test (day 7), as well as ‘in-the-moment’ (days 2-6). Participants who engaged in extraverted behavior reported greater levels of positive affect ‘in-the-moment’ when compared to introverted and control behaviors. We did not observe strong evidence to suggest that this effect was more pronounced for dispositional extraverts. The current research explores the effects of extraverted behavior on other indicators of well-being and examines the effectiveness of acting extraverted (both socially and non-socially) as a well-being strategy.

scholarly journals The Experience of Empathy in Everyday Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 095679762199520
Author(s):  
Gregory John Depow ◽  
Zoë Francis ◽  
Michael Inzlicht
Keyword(s):  
Prosocial Behavior ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Trait Empathy

We used experience sampling to examine perceptions of empathy in the everyday lives of a group of 246 U.S. adults who were quota sampled to represent the population on key demographics. Participants reported an average of about nine opportunities to empathize per day; these experiences were positively associated with prosocial behavior, a relationship not found with trait measures. Although much of the literature focuses on the distress of strangers, in everyday life, people mostly empathize with very close others, and they empathize with positive emotions 3 times as frequently as with negative emotions. Although trait empathy was negatively associated only with well-being, empathy in daily life was generally associated with increased well-being. Theoretically distinct components of empathy—emotion sharing, perspective taking, and compassion—typically co-occur in everyday empathy experiences. Finally, empathy in everyday life was higher for women and the religious but not significantly lower for conservatives and the wealthy.

scholarly journals The Effect of Psychodrama on Subjective Well-Being and Trait Anxiety

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 269
Author(s):  
AliAyşe Nur Katmer ◽  
Ramazan Demir ◽  
Ali Çekiç ◽  
Zeynep Hamamcı
Keyword(s):  
Trait Anxiety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group

This study investigates the effects of psychodrama on adults’ anxiety and subjective well-being levels. A pre/post-test experimental pattern is used with experimental and control groups. The study sample consists of 24 non-thesis master’s program students at Gaziantep University, Human Psychology, and Communication. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Subjective Well-Being Scale were applied as a pre-test to the experimental and control groups. The psychodrama group practice was performed with the experimental group once a week for eleven weeks, 90 minutes per session, while the control group did not receive any practice. After the application, the post-test was administered to both groups. The data were analyzed with SPSS 23 statistical program. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate the difference between the experimental and control group, and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was applied for the changes within the experimental group. The findings indicate that the individuals’ anxiety level in the experimental group significantly decreased compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between subjective well-being in the experimental and control group for pre-test and post-test applications.

Finding Resilience: The Mediation Effect of Sense of Community on the Psychological Well-Being of Military Spouses

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Chuan Wang ◽  
Pius Nyutu ◽  
Kimberly Tran ◽  
Angela Spears
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Military Spouses ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Military Community ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Military

The goal of this study was to identify positive factors that increase the psychological well-being of military spouses in the areas of environmental mastery. We proposed that positive affect and social support from family and friends would have indirect effects on psychological well-being through their association with a greater sense of community with the military culture. Participants were 207 female spouses of active-duty service members. Data were analyzed using MEDIATE to test the mediational effect. Results indicated that social support from friends and positive affect did predict a sense of community, which in turn was associated with increased feelings of psychological well-being. The findings suggest that a perceived sense of military community helps military spouses gain a sense of mastery and control in a constantly changing environment.

More Than Just Sex

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anik Debrot ◽  
Nathalie Meuwly ◽  
Amy Muise ◽  
Emily A. Impett ◽  
Dominik Schoebi
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Experience Sampling ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dual Earner

Positive interpersonal interactions such as affection are central to well-being. Sex is associated with greater individual well-being, but little is known about why this occurs. We predicted that experienced affection would account for the association between sex and well-being. Cross-sectional results indicated that affection mediated the association between sex and both life satisfaction (Study 1) and positive emotions (however, among men only in Study 2). In Study 3, an experience sampling study with 106 dual-earner couples with children, affection mediated the association between sex and increased positive affect in daily life. Cross-lagged analyses in Study 3 to 4 supported the predicted direction of the associations. Moreover, the strength of the daily association between sex and positive affect predicted both partners’ relationship satisfaction 6 months later. Our findings underscore the importance of affection and positive affect for understanding how sex promotes well-being and has long-term relational benefits.

scholarly journals Interpersonal Interactions and Affect in Daily Life Among Midlife and Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 773-773
Author(s):  
Robert Stawski ◽  
Dakota Witzel ◽  
Madeline Nichols ◽  
Susan Charles
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Study ◽  
Interpersonal Interactions ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Diary Studies

Abstract Theories of age and emotional wellbeing posit that older age is associated with better affective well-being through avoidance or minimization of distressing experiences and prioritizing positive experiences and emotions. To test these theories, researchers have examined change in affect (i.e., reactivity) associated with negative interpersonal experiences in daily diary studies, given the compromising effects these interpersonal stressors exert on daily affect. In contrast, age differences in the potential affect-enhancing effects of positive interpersonal experiences have been comparatively neglected. Using the second wave of the National Study of Daily Experiences, we evaluated age differences in the frequency of daily negative and positive interpersonal interactions, as well as the affective responses to these interpersonal interactions. Positive and negative affect, as well as negative and positive interpersonal interactions were assessed on eight consecutive evenings. Analyses included 818 participants (Mage=53.3, SD=11.8, Range=34-83; 60% female) who experienced both negative and positive interpersonal interactions during the 8-day protocol. Preliminary results revealed increased frequency of negative interpersonal interactions and decreased frequency of positive interpersonal interactions with age (ps<.01). Further, negative interpersonal interactions were associated with increases in negative affect and decreases in positive affect (ps<.01), while positive interpersonal interactions were associated only with increased positive affect (p<.01). Finally, modest evidence of age-related reductions in the affective impact of negative, but not positive, interpersonal interactions emerged (p=.03). Discussion will focus on how studies of interpersonal interactions in daily life can inform theories of aging and promote emotional wellbeing throughout adulthood and later life.

scholarly journals Change in Mental Health Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Appraisals and Daily Life Experiences

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annette Brose ◽  
Elisabeth Sophie Blanke ◽  
Florian Schmiedek ◽  
Andrea C. Kramer ◽  
Andrea Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Post Test

Intro: When confronted with major threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, people often experience (temporary) decline in well-being. The central purpose of this study was to identify mechanisms underlying stability and change of well-being in times of threat like the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined change in mental health symptoms and its relationships with appraisals of the pandemic and daily life experiences during the pandemic, including affective states, stress, and mindfulness. Methods: We conducted a study across 3.5 weeks, including pretest, posttest, and a diary phase in-between. In this report, we worked with a sample of 460 adults, pre- and post-test information, as well as a total of 7189 observations from the diary phase. Results: Results showed that less fortunate change in mental health symptoms across three weeks was predicted by more negative affect and less mindfulness, specifically less attention to the present moment, in daily life. Furthermore, less fortunate change in mental health symptoms was correlated with change towards less fortunate appraisals of the appraisals. Finally, we showed that more general views of the pandemic (i.e., appraisals) were interrelated to experiences in daily life, with more negative appraisals of the pandemic predicting more negative affect and stressor occurrence as well as less mindfulness.Discussion: These findings speak to the dynamic nature of well-being and appraisals in times of threat, and they show how experiences in daily life matter for change in well-being

scholarly journals The Experience of Empathy in Everyday Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory John Depow ◽  
Zoë Lynn Francis ◽  
Michael Inzlicht
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Prosocial Behaviour ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Trait Empathy

We used experience-sampling to examine perceptions of empathy in the everyday lives of a group of 246 U.S. adults, quota-sampled to represent the population on key demographics. Participants reported an average of about 9 opportunities to empathize per day, with these experiences being positively associated with prosocial behaviour; a relationship not found with trait measures. While much of the literature focuses on the distress of strangers, in everyday life, people mostly empathize with very close others; and they empathize with positive emotions three times as frequently as with negative emotions. Though trait empathy was only negatively associated with well-being, empathy in daily life was generally associated with increased well-being. Theoretically distinct components of empathy—emotion sharing, perspective taking, and compassion—typically co-occur in everyday empathy experiences. Finally, empathy in everyday life was higher for women and the religious, but not significantly lower for conservatives or the wealthy.

The Effects of Counting Blessings on Subjective Well-Being: A Gratitude Intervention in a Spanish Sample

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 886-896 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Luisa Martínez-Martí ◽  
María Dolores Avia ◽  
María José Hernández-Lloreda
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Gratitude Intervention ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Treatment Measures ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Long Term Impact

This study examined a gratitude intervention repeating Emmons and McCullough study (2003) in a Spanish sample. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (gratitude, hassles and any event) and kept daily records during 2 weeks of gratitude, affect, quality of relationships, physical and subjective well-being. We added design features to assess the intervention long-term impact (follow-up measures), and to improve the design control (pre-treatment measures). Following the cited authors' analysis, i.e., comparing groups only in the post-test, we replicated their results, finding differences in positive affect and gratitude between the gratitude condition and the hassles condition. However, when including both the pre and the follow-up measures in the analysis, results were replicated only partially, as the difference in gratitude disappeared. Moreover, the difference in positive affect between groups in the post-test seemed to be influenced mainly by a decrease in positive affect in the hassles group. Post-test differences between groups in positive affect disappeared in the follow-up. Gratitude interventions may have an effect on well-being, but we consider other methods to promote gratitude besides gratitude journals should be tested.

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