States reflecting the Big Five dimensions

Abstract

Two studies explored the possibility that the Big Five dimensions, which extensive research has shown underlie most human traits, also provide a structure for transitory states. A confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit between responses on measures of transitory states and the Big Five dimensions. Further, the state measures of the Big Five dimensions had good internal consistency. As one would expect, each Big Five state was more related to the corresponding Big Five trait than to other Big Five traits. Asexpected on the basis of previous research, higher levels of state surgency were associated with higher levels of state positive mood, and higher levels of state emotional stability were associated with lower levels of state negative mood. Unexpectedly, state conscientiousness was also highly associated with state positive mood.Because one would expect states to be changeable, the second study used an experimental manipulation to attempt to change levels of the Big Five States. All states changed in the expected direction; however, only the changes in state surgency, agreeableness, and openness were statistically significant.