How curiosity enhances performance: Mechanisms of physiological engagement, challenge and threat appraisal, and novelty deprivation

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cris.lastimport.scopus2025-12-12T04:11:06Z
dc.abstract.enResearch has shown that curiosity plays a crucial role in human performance and well-being. Based on multi-dimensional models of curiosity, we examined potential underlying mechanisms for this relationship. Extending prior research, we expected state and trait variants of curiosity to predict more challenge and less threat appraisals for novel tasks (i.e., joyous exploration dimension), stronger dissatisfaction when denied opportunities to do something interesting (i.e., deprivation sensitivity dimension), and persist longer under stress states (i.e., stress tolerance). We asked 123 participants to prepare and deliver a speech titled "Why are you a good friend?" After preparation, participants were informed that they were randomly selected not to perform the task. Throughout the experiment, we recorded heart rate reactivity as a physiological indicator of task engagement. We found that individuals curious about the upcoming task felt more challenged, less threatened, and presented longer physiological engagement than less curious individuals. Curious individuals expressed more disappointment about the missed opportunity to deliver the speech. In summary, this study revealed theoretically derived mechanisms that partially account for associations between curiosity and positive life outcomes while also indicating adverse effects.
dc.affiliationWydziaƂ Psychologii i Prawa w Poznaniu
dc.affiliationInstytut Psychologii
dc.contributor.authorKaczmarek, Ɓukasz D.
dc.contributor.authorKashdan, Todd B.
dc.contributor.authorEnko, Jolanta
dc.date.access2024-08-17
dc.date.accessioned2025-09-19T13:00:15Z
dc.date.available2025-09-19T13:00:15Z
dc.date.created2024
dc.date.issued2024-08-17
dc.description.abstract<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Research has shown that curiosity plays a crucial role in human performance and well-being. Based on multi-dimensional models of curiosity, we examined potential underlying mechanisms for this relationship. Extending prior research, we expected state and trait variants of curiosity to predict more challenge and less threat appraisals for novel tasks (i.e., joyous exploration dimension), stronger dissatisfaction when denied opportunities to do something interesting (i.e., deprivation sensitivity dimension), and persist longer under stress states (i.e., stress tolerance). We asked 123 participants to prepare and deliver a speech titled "Why are you a good friend?" After preparation, participants were informed that they were randomly selected not to perform the task. Throughout the experiment, we recorded heart rate reactivity as a physiological indicator of task engagement. We found that individuals curious about the upcoming task felt more challenged, less threatened, and presented longer physiological engagement than less curious individuals. Curious individuals expressed more disappointment about the missed opportunity to deliver the speech. In summary, this study revealed theoretically derived mechanisms that partially account for associations between curiosity and positive life outcomes while also indicating adverse effects.</jats:p>
dc.description.accesstimeat_publication
dc.description.issue7
dc.description.physical1-18
dc.description.versionfinal_published
dc.description.volume25
dc.identifier.doi10.1007/s10902-024-00816-w
dc.identifier.issn1389-4978
dc.identifier.issn1573-7780
dc.identifier.urihttps://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/1803
dc.identifier.weblinkhttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-024-00816-w
dc.languageen
dc.pbn.affiliationpsychologia
dc.rightsOther
dc.rights.questionYes_rights
dc.share.articleOTHER
dc.subject.enCuriosity
dc.subject.enOpenness to experience
dc.subject.enChallenge
dc.subject.enThreat
dc.subject.enHeart rate
dc.subject.enSatisfaction
dc.swps.sciencecloudsend
dc.titleHow curiosity enhances performance: Mechanisms of physiological engagement, challenge and threat appraisal, and novelty deprivation
dc.title.journalJournal of Happiness Studies
dc.typeJournalArticle
dspace.entity.typeArticle