INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES IN THE EXCITATION TRANSFER EFFECT

Excitation transfer refers to the main effect of an arousing experienc e (e.g. exercise) on subsequent emotional reactions (e.g. reactions to emotional photographs). Residual arousal from the earlier task is sai d to ''transfer'' to the latter task, with the arousal being misattrib uted to subsequent stimuli. Studies examining individual differences i n excitation transfer have focused on physical characteristics, such a s cardiovascular fitness. However, because excitation transfer involve s both arousal and hedonic tone, it may be that personality dimensions relevant to arousability or emotional reactivity may predict individu al differences in the excitation transfer effect. Several hypotheses w ere proposed based upon differing personality theories. Results suppor ted the notion that excitation transfer is strongest for the hedonical ly-valenced emotions with which the person has relatively less experie nce. Extraversion predicted excitation transfer to unpleasant (but not pleasant) stimuli, and Neuroticism predicted excitation transfer to p leasant (but not unpleasant) stimuli. Results are discussed in terms o f processing bodily information more during unfamiliar than familiar a ffective states.