Individual Differences in Rate of Affect Change: Studies in Affective Chronometry

Three studies explored individual differences in rate of affect change. Participants watched affect-inducing videos and reported their affect twice in 20 min. Individual differences in rate of affect change emerged independently of initial affect intensity and stress appraisals, revealing 2 affect-change profiles. Positive affect augmenters (extraverts, emotionally stable participants, and those with high negative mood regulation expectancies) showed slow rates of positive and rapid rates of negative affect decay. Negative affect augmenters (introverts, neurotics, and participants with low negative mood regulation expectancies) showed slow rates of negative and rapid rates of positive affect decay. These findings expand the literature on affective style, have adaptational implications, and highlight future research directions.