Work

Disentangling Trait Affect From Situational Affect in the Prediction of Academic Major Satisfaction

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study clarifies the role of emotions in determining college students’ satisfaction with their choice of academic major by separating trait affect from situational affect. Students ( N = 196) first completed a measure of trait affect administered via an online survey. Two weeks later, on a second survey, they reported the frequency of positive and negative emotions they experienced in major‐related classes (i.e., situational affect) and a measure of academic major satisfaction. Emotions experienced in classes were associated with major satisfaction after controlling for trait affect, suggesting satisfaction is not merely a function of disposition. This finding suggests interventions targeting emotions could hold promise as a way to facilitate major satisfaction.

Source: The Career Development Quarterly

DOI: 10.1002/cdq.12377

Author: Margaret M. Nauta

Institution: Illinois State University

Language: English

Topic: Career Development and Diversity

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900