Investigating the Relationships Between Basic Emotions and the Big Five Personality Traits and Their Sub-Traits
Published in Journal of Personality, 2025
Abstract
Most research investigating relationships between the Big Five and emotional states has focused on how emotional attributes relate to Extraversion and Neuroticism. However, the potential for discrete emotional states to enable a richer understanding of the emotive nature of all Big Five traits and their subtraits has been neglected. Methods Participants (N = 203) completed the Big Five Aspects Scale, watched six emotionally stimulating video clips, and self‐reported their experience of basic emotions before (Baseline) and after (Reaction) each video. Spearman correlations identified state–trait relationships, followed by regression analyses to assess the unique contribution of each trait to emotional experiences. Results Conscientiousness negatively correlated with Baseline Sadness, while Agreeableness positively correlated with Reaction Disgust, Fear, and Sadness.
Recommended citation: Donovan, Ryan; Johnson, Aoife; De Roiste, Aine; O'Reilly, Ruairi (2025). “Investigating the Relationships Between Basic Emotions and the Big Five Personality Traits and Their Sub-Traits.” Journal of Personality.