Why extravert are happier : a day reconstruction study
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of Research in Personality
Publication Date
6-1-2014
Volume
50
First Page
11
Last Page
22
Publisher
Academic Press
Keywords
Affective-reactivity, Day reconstruction method, Extraversion, Momentary happiness, Person-by-situation fit
Abstract
The study contributes to the literature on extraversion and momentary happiness by examining processes that might underlie this robust effect. The affective-reactivity hypothesis suggests that extraverts react more positively to rewarding situations as compared to introverts. According to the person-by-situation model, extraverts should enjoy social interactions more than introverts do. Global reports of extraversion were combined with an ecologically valid Day Reconstruction Method (DRM) to assess time spent and happiness of 1364 participants during 13,973 activities. Multilevel results confirm that extraverts (versus introverts) experience a higher boost in momentary happiness when spending time on rewarding - but not pleasurable - activities, especially when rewarding activities are executed with others. These processes partly explain why extraverts are happier in the moment.
DOI
10.1016/j.jrp.2014.02.001
Print ISSN
00926566
E-ISSN
10957251
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Oerlemans, W. G. M., & Bakker, A. B. (2014). Why extraverts are happier: A day reconstruction study. Journal of Research in Personality, 50, 11-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jrp.2014.02.001