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How Stable, Really? Traditional and Nonlinear Dynamics Approaches to Studying Temporal Fluctuations in Personality and Affect

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  • Alessio Gori

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Firenze, Italy
    Integrated Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Institute (IPPI), Via Ricasoli 32, 50122 Firenze, Italy)

  • Daniel Dewey

    (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave Suite 419, # 403, Charleston, SC 29425, USA)

  • Eleonora Topino

    (Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Via della Traspontina 21, 00193 Rome, Italy)

  • Marco Giannini

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Firenze, Italy)

  • David Schuldberg

    (Department of Psychology, The University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812, USA)

Abstract

A pair of quantitative case studies is presented to demonstrate how different approaches to quantifying temporal variability in ratings of traits and affect can provide rich information for personality researchers. Data are presented and analyzed from two college students who completed an Ecological Momentary Assessment protocol sampling ratings of affect and traits up to 24 times daily for one week. Both classical and nonlinear data analytic techniques were applied to the data to summarize and examine the temporal dynamics of both traits and affect. For the purposes of exposition, one Big Five trait rating, extraversion, and the PANAS positive and negative affects, are discussed. The results support previous research demonstrating a high degree of variability in ratings of both traits and affect over time. Analyses using nonlinear and complexity expand on these findings and suggest temporal patterning as well as disorder; implications of phase portraits for understanding variability are discussed. The findings are discussed in light of a processing dynamics approach to resolving the role of variability in understanding personality.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessio Gori & Daniel Dewey & Eleonora Topino & Marco Giannini & David Schuldberg, 2022. "How Stable, Really? Traditional and Nonlinear Dynamics Approaches to Studying Temporal Fluctuations in Personality and Affect," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:8008-:d:852169
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Veljko Jovanović & Milica Lazić, 2020. "Is Longer Always Better? A Comparison of the Validity of Single-item Versus Multiple-item Measures of Life Satisfaction," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 15(3), pages 675-692, July.
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