Explaining Everyday Behaviours and Situational Context by Personality Metatraits and Higher–Order Values

Abstract

In the current study, we looked for the relations between broad personality dimensions (metatraits of personality and higher–order values) and everyday behaviours. We asked participants ( N = 374; aged 17 to 53, Mage = 23.72) about their current behaviour, followed by questions on situational context (company and perceived autonomy) seven times per day for seven consecutive days, using an experience sampling mobile app. This method allowed us to capture a wide range of descriptions of behavioural acts ( n = 13 873), which were then empirically categorized. Personality metatraits distinguished within the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits (i.e. Stability vs. Disinhibition, Plasticity vs. Passiveness, Integration vs. Disharmony, and Self–Restraint vs. Sensation–Seeking) and values from the refined model of Schwartz et al. (Openness to Change vs. Conservation and Self–Transcendence vs. Self–Enhancement) were measured by self–descriptive questionnaires. Multilevel logistic regressions with multiple predictors, including traits and values simultaneously, revealed significant effects or tendencies for 20 of the 35 categories of activities, five kinds of company, and perceived autonomy. The best predictors of activities and situational context were the higher–order values Openness to Change vs. Conservation. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology