Emotional reactivity is generally understood as the extent to which people feel emotions in response to events. This can be positive or negative, though past research has generally focused on the consequences of negative emotional reactivity.

It has been understood that people have varying levels of emotional reactivity. Past research shows that people who respond positively tend to have a healthier personal profile, while the opposite holds true for those who respond negatively. This present study attempts to dig deeper by examining the components of emotional reactivity: quickness, intensity, valence, duration, and impact on life.

Methods

946 main participants (with an additional 946 informants) completed measures of both positive emotional reactivity tendency (PERT) and negative emotional reactivity tendency (NERT). This was accomplished by assessing their responses to various hypothetical situations, ranging from minor inconveniences to life catastrophes. Participants also rated their own perceived emotional reactivity. 

By using informants arranged into main participant-dyad pairs, the potential bias from these emotionally charged questions was minimized. This is standard practice for studies that ask participants questions where one answer is seen as more social desirable than others.

The main tool of this study was a questionnaire given to assess the participants. Like with all Think Tank studies, participants were recruited by undergraduate students at the University of Alabama. The students completed CITI ethics training and were tasked with collecting data. This allowed for the large data sample mentioned above, providing great certainty when analyzing the data.

Lastly, main participants completed questions assessing their life satisfaction and perceived success in various contexts.

Results

Perhaps unsurprisingly, PERT was strongly associated with increased life satisfaction. NERT was strongly associated with reduced life satisfaction. This corroborates with past studies that examined emotional reactivity. People who react positively to events tend to be more satisfied than those who react negatively. Additionally, emotional regulation skills were also associated with increased life satisfaction.

More interesting, however, was the effect of the specific components of emotional reactivity. In particular, negative emotional reactivity's effects on life satisfaction were amplified by intensity, duration, and impact.

Implications

We anticipate that the results of this study can aid individuals to understand the impact of their reactions to events. This study will also be a useful tool for therapists and other mental health professionals. Clearly, behavioral interventions that promote responding positively to events will be a useful strategy for increasing overall well-being. Minimizing negative responses will have a similar effect.