The effect of positive affect on conflict resolution: Modulated by approach-motivational intensity

ABSTRACT

The motivational dimensional model of affect proposes that the influence of positive affect on cognitive processing is modulated by approach-motivational intensity. The present research extended this model by examining the influence of positive affect varying in approach-motivational intensity on conflict resolution—the ability to resolve interference from task-irrelevant distractors in order to focus on the target. The global–local task (Experiment 1) and letter-Flanker task (Experiment 2) were used to measure conflict resolution. Additionally, the 4:2 mapping design that assigns two kinds of task-relevant stimuli to one response key and two more to another response key was used in these two tasks to dissociate stimulus and response conflict. Results showed that positive affect varying in approach motivation had opposite influences on conflict resolution. The opposite influences are primarily reflected in low approach-motivated positive affect impairing, while high approach-motivated positive affect facilitating the resolution of response conflict. Conversely, the stimulus conflict was slightly influenced. These findings highlight the utility of distinguishing stimulus and response conflict in future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Positive affect
• approach-motivational intensity
• conflict resolution
• stimulus conflict
• response conflict

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 30970912) awarded to Zhenhong Wang and Innovation Funds of Graduate Programs, Shaanxi Normal University (grant number 2013CXB005) awarded to Ya Liu.