Reciprocal Associations Between Positivity and Positive Affect During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In this study, the associations between positivity and positive affect were examined at five time points between January 2020 and September 2021, a period of turmoil associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 1401 students (73.45% women) attending an online university in Spain, commencing at the outbreak of the pandemic and then at four different time points up to the time it was considered to have been controlled. The results of a cross-lagged panel model revealed that participants who maintained higher general positivity were also those who reported more intense overall positive affect. At the same time, above-average positive affect predicted higher-than-usual levels of positivity. By pointing to the reciprocal relationships between positivity and positive affect, the results corroborate and go beyond previous findings by highlighting a virtuous cycle in which positivity and positive affect reciprocally influence each other over time. These data are in accordance with a dynamic view of how self-focused, positive evaluative dispositions and chronic positive affective states operate in concert to enhance adaptation and well-being. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.