Discrete affects across the adult lifespan: Evidence for multidimensionality and multidirectionality of affective experiences in young, middle-aged and older adults

Research on emotional functioning in adulthood has focused primarily on positive and negative affect rather than on discrete emotions. To close this gap, 948 adults aged 18–78 years reported their affect on a German version of the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule – Extended (PANAS-X). Besides positive and negative affect, the scale assessed discrete negative affects (fear, hostility, guilt, sadness), discrete positive affects (joviality, self-assurance, attentiveness), and other affective states (shyness, fatigue, serenity, surprise). Findings showed divergent shapes across the adult lifespan documenting multidimensionality and multidirectionality. Personality factors explained a large portion of interindividual differences in discrete affects; however, after controlling for sociodemographic and personality factors, age showed still significant associations to some but not all discrete affects.