Interactive Effects of Traits on Adjustment to a Life Transition

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2007.00462.x Byline: Anat Bardi (1), Carol D. Ryff (2) Abstract: ABSTRACT A longitudinal design was used to test theoretically derived interactive effects of traits on adjustment to relocation 1, 8, and 15 months after relocation of elderly women. Openness interacted with Neuroticism and with Extraversion in affecting changes in distress after relocation by amplifying the basic emotional tendencies of Neuroticism and Extraversion. These were delayed effects, occurring only 15 months after relocation. Openness also interacted with Neuroticism in predicting changes in psychological well-being with the effects occurring primarily early in postmove adjustment. In addition, Extraversion interacted with Conscientiousness and with Agreeableness in predicting changes in distress, such that the beneficial effects of Conscientiousness and Agreeableness were evident only for individuals low on Extraversion. These effects were consistent across time, showing long-term effects. Overall, the findings demonstrate the multiplicity of ways in which trait interactions predict dynamic adjustment to a life transition. Author Affiliation: (1)The University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom (2)The University of Wisconsin-Madison Article note: Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Anat Bardi, Department of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NP, UK; E-mail: A.Bardi@kent.ac.uk.