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Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
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Reflecting on nostalgic, positive, and novel experiences increases state Openness
1Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK.
Journal of Personality
|August 4, 2020
Summary
Recalling positive, novel, or nostalgic experiences can enhance state Openness. This suggests potential interventions for personality change, particularly in Openness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Science
Background:
- Personality change is a key research area, yet factors influencing Openness are understudied.
- Understanding mechanisms for Openness change is crucial for psychological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if state Openness can be influenced.
- To explore the mechanisms through which Openness might change.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments involved participants recalling specific personal experiences (nostalgic, positive, novel, or ordinary).
- Participants completed questionnaires measuring event characteristics and psychological states (e.g., positive affect, self-esteem, Openness).
Main Results:
- Recalling positive and/or novel events significantly increased state Openness compared to ordinary events.
- Event positivity, novelty, and nostalgia independently predicted state Openness.
- Positive affect and self-esteem also independently predicted state Openness, indicating potential indirect pathways.
Conclusions:
- Reflecting on nostalgic, positive, and novel experiences can effectively increase state Openness.
- These findings offer a basis for developing interventions aimed at fostering trait-level Openness.
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