Effects of Reflective Processes on Social–Emotional Trait Development in Adulthood: Insights From Two Multi‐Method Studies.
Saved in:
| Title: | Effects of Reflective Processes on Social–Emotional Trait Development in Adulthood: Insights From Two Multi‐Method Studies. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Küchler, Gabriela (AUTHOR), Borgdorf, Kira S. A. (AUTHOR), Aguilar‐Raab, Corina (AUTHOR), Wrzus, Cornelia (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Personality. Feb2026, Vol. 94 Issue 1, p60-80. 21p. |
| Subjects: | Emotional stability, Extraversion, Self-perception, Personality, Mixed methods research, Personality development, Age differences, Critical thinking |
| Abstract: | Objective: This research investigates how reflective processes, such as past‐temporal and social comparisons, enhance changes in explicit and implicit self‐concepts of social–emotional traits and whether these effects differ with age. Method: We conducted two preregistered multi‐method studies to examine whether past‐temporal or social comparisons predict changes in emotional stability and extraversion. In the longitudinal study (N = 615, aged 18–84 years), we assessed the frequency of past‐temporal and social comparisons, explicit and implicit self‐concepts of emotional stability and extraversion at two measuring points 6 months apart. In the experimental study (N = 231, aged 18–93 years), we elicited trait‐relevant behavioral changes, manipulated past‐temporal versus social comparisons, and assessed explicit and implicit trait self‐concepts before and after the manipulation. Results: Past‐temporal and social comparisons predicted longitudinal changes in the explicit self‐concept of emotional stability but not extraversion. The experimental study indicated changes in explicit self‐concepts of both traits, regardless of the type of comparison standard. Neither type of comparison predicted changes in implicit self‐concepts. The findings were generalizable across age groups. Conclusions: This research provides the first evidence that comparisons facilitate the change of explicit but not implicit trait self‐concepts. We discuss short‐term mechanisms of personality development and future directions for examining them experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Personality is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Objective: This research investigates how reflective processes, such as past‐temporal and social comparisons, enhance changes in explicit and implicit self‐concepts of social–emotional traits and whether these effects differ with age. Method: We conducted two preregistered multi‐method studies to examine whether past‐temporal or social comparisons predict changes in emotional stability and extraversion. In the longitudinal study (N = 615, aged 18–84 years), we assessed the frequency of past‐temporal and social comparisons, explicit and implicit self‐concepts of emotional stability and extraversion at two measuring points 6 months apart. In the experimental study (N = 231, aged 18–93 years), we elicited trait‐relevant behavioral changes, manipulated past‐temporal versus social comparisons, and assessed explicit and implicit trait self‐concepts before and after the manipulation. Results: Past‐temporal and social comparisons predicted longitudinal changes in the explicit self‐concept of emotional stability but not extraversion. The experimental study indicated changes in explicit self‐concepts of both traits, regardless of the type of comparison standard. Neither type of comparison predicted changes in implicit self‐concepts. The findings were generalizable across age groups. Conclusions: This research provides the first evidence that comparisons facilitate the change of explicit but not implicit trait self‐concepts. We discuss short‐term mechanisms of personality development and future directions for examining them experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 00223506 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jopy.13016 |
