Mediation of the effects of the big five personality dimensions on negative mood and confirmed affective expectations by perceived situational stress: A quasi-field study of vacationers

We investigated associations between personality dimensions assessed via the Five-Factor Model and change in negative mood and confirmation of affective expectations, and the mediating role of perceived vacation-related stress in these associations. The sample consisted of 100 employees participating in their annual planned vacation assessed at entrance and checkout after spending one week at a vacation village. Higher Conscientiousness was related to lower negative mood during vacation, higher confirmation of positive affective expectations, and lower perceived stress. Perceived stress mediated the effect of Conscientiousness on low negative mood during vacation and on the confirmation of positive affective expectations. Post-hoc analyses indicated that planned vacation for high Conscientiousness individuals may be an opportunity to achieve a time of freedom from work demands, especially if they are low in Neuroticism, resulting in decreased stress, positive affect, and fulfillment of positive expectations. These results showcase how the hypotheses and methods of the Affective Expectation Model can be integrated with research on mood, stress, and the Five Factor Model framework.