Emotional reactivity and perseveration: Independent dimensions of trait positive and negative affectivity and differential associations with psychological distress

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 elicit...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Personality and individual differences 2017-01, Vol.105, p.70-77
Main Authors: Boyes, Mark E, Carmody, Thea M, Clarke, Patrick J F, Hasking, Penelope A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anxiety
Depression
Differences
Emotional disorders
Emotional perseveration
Emotional reactivity
Emotional responses
Emotions
Individual differences
Mental depression
Negative affect
Negative emotions
Perseveration
Positive affect
Positive emotions
Psychological distress
Quantitative psychology
Reactivity
Stress
Vulnerability
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary: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. 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. 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. 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. •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.
ISSN:0191-8869
1873-3549
DOI:10.1016/j.paid.2016.09.025