How does “one takes on the attributes of one's associates”? The past, present, and future of Trait Activation Theory

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1042.2020.00161

Abstract

Abstract:

Trait Activation Theory aims to elaborate how relevant situations could activate individuals’ internal traits, and how the activation processes trigger the implicit traits expressed as explicit behaviors. The current study articulates the emergence, the baseline and extended theoretical models of Trait Activation Theory, and specifically explains the situational taxonomies, various trait activation processes, and the activated outcomes. The essence of trait activation and its boundary were also shown through the comparison with “P-E” Fit Theory and Situational Strength Theory. Future studies could explore the current theoretical model in depth and breadth, particularly enrich the “to be activated” alternatives and the situational taxonomies.

Key words: trait activation, Trait Activation Theory, trait-expressive behavior, trait-relevant cues, situational taxonomies

CLC Number:

B849:C93

LIU Yuxin, CHEN Chen, ZHU Nan, ZHANG Jianwei, WANG Shuai. How does “one takes on the attributes of one's associates”? The past, present, and future of Trait Activation Theory[J]. Advances in Psychological Science, 2020, 28(1): 161-177.

Figures/Tables 4

References 98

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情境特征划分标准	对“特质-行为/ 绩效”关系的影响	情境特征分类
情境特征划分标准	对“特质-行为/ 绩效”关系的影响	要求	干扰	限制	释放	催化
发生频次	关系的稳定性	频发	频发	频发	偶发	偶发
激活状态	关系强度	直接增强	直接增强	直接减弱	直接增强	间接影响¹
行为评估的价值	关系方向	正向	负向	正/负	正/负	正/负

情境特征划分标准	对“特质-行为/ 绩效”关系的影响	情境特征分类
情境特征划分标准	对“特质-行为/ 绩效”关系的影响	要求	干扰	限制	释放	催化
发生频次	关系的稳定性	频发	频发	频发	偶发	偶发
激活状态	关系强度	直接增强	直接增强	直接减弱	直接增强	间接影响¹
行为评估的价值	关系方向	正向	负向	正/负	正/负	正/负

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