Interpersonal Conflict and Affect Styles in Relation to Engagement and Self Control

Olson (2005) proposed that the terms Engagement and Self Control are sufficient labels for superordinate dimensions of the Big Five Traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness). The present research examined the relationship between the superordinate trait domains (Engagement and Self Control), affect styles (Positive Affect and Negative Affect), and interpersonal conflict styles (Aggressiveness, Passive-Aggressiveness, Conflict Avoidance, and Assertiveness). Participants completed 3 tests (PANAS, BFI, and IBS). Positive affect was positively associated with the personality trait of Engagement. Negative affect was inversely related to Self-Control. The broad personality trait dimensions associated with the four styles of interpersonal conflict were as follows: The assertive style was characterized by the personality dimension of high Engagement and high Self Control. The conflict-avoidant style was characterized by low Engagement. The passive-aggressive style was characterized by both low Engagement and low Self-Control. The aggressive style was characterized by low Self-Control