Personal striving differentiation and affective reactivity

Examined the relation between affective reactivity (intensity and variability of mood) and cognitive differentiation through the personal striving (Emmons, 1986) framework in order to test the hypothesis that affective reactivity underlies differentiation. 88 Ss in 2 samples listed 15 of their personal strivings and rated them with respect to 3 measures of striving differentiation (interdependence, dissimilarity, and plans for accomplishing each). Experience-sampling and daily mood ratings were used to assess affect intensity and affect variability over a 3-week period. Emotionally reactive Ss possessed a more differentiated striving system. However, they generated fewer plans for accomplishing each striving than did less reactive Ss. Results are interpreted in terms of Larsen and Diener's (1987) arousal regulation theory of affect intensity and Linville's (1982, 1985) self-complexity/affect-extremity model.