In the heat of the moment: On the effect of state neuroticism on task performance

Beckmann, N.; Beckmann, J.F.; Minbashian, A.; Birney, D.P.

doi:10.1016/j.paid.2012.10.022

In the heat of the moment: On the effect of state neuroticism on task performance

Beckmann, N.; Beckmann, J.F.; Minbashian, A.; Birney, D.P.

Authors

Professor Nadin Beckmann nadin.beckmann@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Professor Jens Beckmann j.beckmann@durham.ac.uk
Professor

A. Minbashian

D.P. Birney

Abstract

The aim of this study was to further shed light on the relationship between neuroticism and performance by taking into account the situation-specific experience of neuroticism when undertaking cognitive tasks. A total of 121 high-performing professionals completed a state measure of neuroticism before solving a complex cognitive task. Indicators of trait neuroticism and fluid intelligence were also collected. Analyses revealed a curvilinear effect of state neuroticism on task performance suggesting that moderate levels of neuroticism experienced in a given situation are most effective for cognitive performance. This effect remained unchanged when controlled for trait neuroticism and fluid intelligence. Findings support the importance of better understanding experiential effects of personality on task performance.

Citation

Beckmann, N., Beckmann, J., Minbashian, A., & Birney, D. (2013). In the heat of the moment: On the effect of state neuroticism on task performance. Personality and Individual Differences, 54(3), 447-452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2012.10.022

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Oct 23, 2012
Publication Date	Feb 1, 2013
Deposit Date	Oct 25, 2012
Publicly Available Date	Mar 16, 2015
Journal	Personality and Individual Differences
Print ISSN	0191-8869
Publisher	Elsevier
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	54
Issue	3
Pages	447-452
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2012.10.022
Keywords	Neuroticism, State, Trait, Cognitive performance.

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Copyright Statement
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Personality and Individual Differences. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Personality and Individual Differences, 54, 3, February 2013, 10.1016/j.paid.2012.10.022.