Facility for sustained positive affect as an individual difference characteristic

Abstract

A series of studies investigated a proposed new individual difference characteristic or trait, facility for sustained positive affect, consisting of tendencies that allow individuals to maintain a high level of positive mood. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in the creation of a measure, the self-congruent and new activities (SANA) scale which identified two core aspects of sustainable positive affect, engaging in self-congruent activities and engaging in new activities. A higher level of facility for sustainable affect, as operationalized by the SANA scale, was associated with maintenance of positive mood for a month, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, less negative affect, and more life satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, work satisfaction, mindfulness, personal expansion and growth, and emotional intelligence. The results provided initial evidence that facility to maintain positive affect may be an emotion-related individual difference characteristic.

Keywords:

• sustainable positive affect
• self-congruent and new activities (SANA) scale
• affect
• personality, trait
• mental health
• well-being
• mindfulness
• emotional intelligence

Public Interest Statement

The ability to maintain positive emotion may be a unique emotion-related trait, termed facility for sustainable positive affect. This trait has two core components, engaging in activities that are consistent with one’s values or goals and involvement in new activities. Facility for sustainable affect is associated with maintenance of positive mood over time, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, less negative affect, and more life satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, work satisfaction, mindfulness, personal expansion and growth, and emotional intelligence. Even though evidence suggests that facility for sustainable positive affect is a somewhat stable characteristic, it may be possible to increase individuals’ levels of sustainable positive affect and related beneficial outcomes.

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interest.

Additional information

Funding

Funding. The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Nicola S. Schutte

Nicola S. Schutte and John M. Malouff are both associate professors of psychology at the University of New England in Australia. Nicola Schutte’s research focuses on positive psychology constructs such as positive affect, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy. With regard to emotional intelligence, she is interested in exploring the ways in which high emotional intelligence may lead to positive outcomes and approaches to increasing emotional intelligence. The study of self-efficacy provides a promising avenue for facilitating beneficial outcomes in a variety of behavioural realms. Positive affect is linked to many desirable life outcomes and she is interested in exploring approaches to understanding and increasing positive affect. John Malouff’s research also focuses on positive psychology constructs such as self-efficacy and emotional intelligence. He has a special interest in evaluating the effectiveness of approaches intended to increase quality of life, such as evaluation of self-help materials.