Stress and Negative Emotions Across Different Ages
Author Information
Author(s): Ferguson Giselle, Corley Samantha, Scott Stacey
Primary Institution: Union College, Schenectady, New York, United States; Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
Hypothesis
The relationship between reported momentary stressor occurrence and negative affect is moderated by baseline neuroticism among an age-heterogeneous adult sample.
Conclusion
The study found that individual differences in stressor-related increases in negative affect are not explained by age or neuroticism.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults exhibited lower levels of negative affect over time despite similar initial levels.
- Negative affect was significantly higher at observations following stressors than non-stressor observations.
- Individuals who reported more frequent stressors had higher average negative affect.
Takeaway
This study looked at how stress affects people's feelings at different ages, and it found that age and personality traits like neuroticism don't change how stress impacts emotions.
Methodology
Participants completed surveys of trait neuroticism and seven days of Ecological Momentary Assessments of stressors and negative affect three times each day.
Limitations
The study did not find significant moderation effects of neuroticism or age on the relationship between stressors and negative affect.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 18-82 years old, recruited from a national online research panel.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0003
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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