Emotional correlates of preferences for situation-activity combinations in everyday life.

Abstract

Emotional correlates of preferences for everyday situation-activity combinations were explored using the PAD (Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance) Emotion Model. Preferences were assessed using a comprehensive sample of emotionally balanced situations, given in its entirety in the Appendix, because of its potential utility to investigators. Results for all situations and also for only the subgroup of pleasant situations showed that pleasure and dominance were positive correlates of preference. Specifically, for pleasant situations, preferences did not differ for exciting versus relaxing situations; also, exciting and relaxing situations were preferred more than amazing or protecting ones. Results for only the subgroup of unpleasant situations showed negative arousal/preference and positive dominance/preference relations. Specifically, situations that elicited disdain were preferred to those that produced anger and those that elicited boredom; boring and anger-eliciting settings were preferred to those that engendered distress.