An interpersonal approach to emotional dynamics in everyday life: Examining individual differences in affective expectations, reactivities, and calibrations

• Applicant: Dr. Lara Kröncke
• Subject Area: Personality Psychology, Clinical and Medical Psychology, Methodology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 566009132

Modern, dynamic theories of personality emphasize the importance of affective processes underlying interpersonal traits. Previous research has mostly focused on single processes in isolation rather than considering multiple processes together. To address this gap, this project jointly examines individual differences in three key social interaction processes: (a) affective expectations, which refer to individuals' anticipated affective responses to aspects of social interactions, (b) affective reactivities, which capture individuals' actual affective responses to these interactions, and (c) affective calibration, defined as the degree of matching between affective expectations and reactivities, reflecting whether individuals have accurate expectations about their reactivities. Individual differences in these processes will be examined across three work packages (WPs): First, WP1 will quantify the amount of reliable individual differences in affective expectations, reactivities, and calibrations (amount). Second, WP2 will investigate the relationships of individual differences in affective expectations, reactivities, and calibrations with general social tendencies (correlates). Third, WP3 will explore the effects of such differences on well-being (well-being consequences). To achieve generalizable and robust insights, two studies will be conducted. The first study is a correlational Experience Sampling Method (ESM) study. Specifically, 700 participants will first complete a baseline trait survey, including measures of interpersonal traits, well-being, and affective expectations. Subsequently, they will engage in a four-week ESM phase, in which they will report their momentary social behaviors and affect four times per day. The resulting data will be used to examine natural variation in affective expectations, reactivities, and calibrations with high ecological validity. The second study is an intervention study, in which affective expectations will be manipulated to uncover causal effects. Specifically, 1,000 participants will regularly complete short behavioral challenges in their everyday lives, reflect on their experiences, and receive feedback to enhance their self-knowledge. This data will be used to examine intervention-induced changes in affective dynamics. Overall, this research aims to advance modern process-based theories of interpersonal traits. Additionally, it could inform the development of evidence-based personalized interventions to enhance well-being.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants