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Studying affect among the Chinese: the circular way.
1Division of Social Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong. Michelle.Yik@ust.hk
Journal of Personality Assessment
|August 13, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a new circumplex model of affective feelings for Chinese individuals, offering a detailed map for understanding emotions. The developed scales provide a reliable tool for measuring affect in Chinese populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Affective Science
Background:
- Research on Chinese emotion lacked a comprehensive measurement tool.
- Previous models did not adequately capture the nuances of affective feelings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a fine-grained circumplex model of affective feelings for Chinese individuals.
- To create reliable self-report scales for measuring affect.
Main Methods:
- Developed twelve 4-item self-report scales based on a 12-segment circumplex model.
- Validated scales using affect from remembered moments (N=395) and current moments (N=269, 302).
- Employed the CIRCUM-extension procedure to assess relationships with mood states and traits.
Main Results:
- The developed scales demonstrated strong structural and psychometric properties.
- 28 of 28 mood states and 6 of 13 traits were significantly related to the measured affect.
- The study established a robust affective space for Chinese individuals.
Conclusions:
- The newly developed scales offer a valuable tool for assessing affect in Chinese populations.
- The model serves as a foundation for future research on the nomological net of affect.
- Further research is needed to determine the basic dimensions of affect within this model.
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