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In this study, we draw upon current knowledge on social curiosity and integrate it with trait activation theory to propose when and how social curiosity trait influences an employee's organizational citizenship behavior directed at individual coworkers (OCBI). Specifically, we suggest that overt social curiosity positively affects an employee's OCBI through heightened employee social acceptance whereas covert social curiosity negatively affects OCBI through reduced employee social acceptance within the workgroup. We further contextualize these effects by focusing on the workgroup and suggesting that group task interdependence moderates the relationship between social curiosity trait and employee social acceptance as well as the indirect effect of social curiosity trait on OCBI. Multi-level analyses of time-lagged multi-source data from 567 employees and 116 supervisors nested in 116 workgroups supported our predictions. Our work increases the understanding of how a social curiosity disposition may ultimately build a sense of community at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morbid curiosity indexes interests in learning about dangerous phenomena. Individuals with high levels of dark triad traits (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) can be dangerous, implicating them as relatively desirable to those reporting heightened morbid curiosity. Despite the potential costs of high-dark triad men, it could benefit morbidly curious women to upregulate their preference for such men to satisfy short-term mating goals. This study tasked women to men exhibiting high and low levels of dark personality traits and complete a measure of trait morbid curiosity. Men described as exhibiting high levels of dark personality traits were more desirable as short-term mates than as long-term mates, although men described as reporting low levels of dark traits were more desirable overall. Morbidly curious women reported greater behavioral attraction toward dark-personality men but did not affective attraction. Findings suggest a function to morbidly curious women's interest in dark personalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The five-dimensional curiosity construct, recently advanced by Kashdan and his colleagues (2018a), was examined using open-ended and Likert type questionnaires to further understand the nomological network and correlates of the five curiosity dimensions. The nature of each dimension (Joyous Exploration, Deprivation Sensitivity, Stress Tolerance, Social curiosity, and Thrill-Seeking) and of profiles based on those dimensions were examined as well as their relationships with value-driven actions (Personal Well-being, Moral values, Religious values, Social Ideology, and Environment.) Results of qualitative and quantitative analyses shed light on the role of positive uncertainty (stress tolerance) and of thrill-seeking in shaping epistemic and social curiosity; on authentic descriptions of reactions to curiosity-related objects or situations; on types of questions of interest that are more likely to be posed by curious people, and on values that drive their actions. The findings were discussed from an educative perspective. • The five-dimensional curiosity scale was validated in a non-English speaking culture. • Responses to completion items further clarified the nature of the curiosity dimensions. • Positive uncertainty and thrill-seeking shape epistemic and social curiosity. • Types of curious people differ in the values that drive their actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that curiosity is associated with many positive variables and that these may be benefits of curiosity, but researchers have scarcely considered (a) which types of curiosity these potential benefits pertain to and (b) the potential drawbacks of curiosity. The present study examined the relationships of interest- and deprivation-type curiosity with four potential benefits that previous research has linked to curiosity (higher happiness, problem-solving confidence, open-mindedness, and empathic listening skills) and two potential drawbacks (higher distractibility and indecisiveness). Adults from the United Kingdom (N = 393) of diverse ages and socio-economic backgrounds completed an online questionnaire measuring dispositional interest- and deprivation-type curiosity, happiness, problem-solving confidence, open-mindedness, empathic listening skills, distractibility, and indecisiveness. As predicted, interest-curiosity was positively associated with all benefit variables, and surprisingly was negatively associated with both drawback variables. Deprivation-curiosity was positively associated with only one benefit variable (empathic listening) and one drawback variable (indecisiveness). Findings suggest that different curiosity types do not necessarily share the same potential benefits and drawbacks, and that interest-curiosity may be associated with more benefits than deprivation-curiosity. Future research should investigate the type-specificity of other potential benefits of curiosity, as well as investigate more potential drawbacks of curiosity. • Past research claims that highly curious people enjoy many psychosocial benefits. • We show that these correlations are not shared by all types of curiosity. • Interest-curiosity is linked to many variables suggested as benefits by past research. • Deprivation-curiosity correlates with fewer of these variables (only empathy). • We find that the potential drawbacks of curiosity may also be type specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curiosity is a psychological response to uncertainty that facilitates learning and other benefits, but little is known about how highly curious people interpret and process uncertainty differently from their less curious counterparts. We investigated the relationship between curiosity (both interest- and deprivation-type) and a variety of attitudes towards uncertainty. An adult sample from the United Kingdom (N = 398) completed an online questionnaire measuring dispositional interest- and deprivation-type curiosity, positive attitudes towards uncertainty, intolerance of uncertainty, and tendencies to focus on potential positive or negative outcomes. A higher score on interest was associated with finding uncertainty more enjoyable and focusing on positive possibilities. A higher score on deprivation was associated with being more intolerant of uncertainty and focusing on negative possibilities. The connections between curiosity and attitudes towards uncertainty differ according to the type of curiosity experienced. Interest may reinforce learning by promoting a fascination with the unknown and a focus on positive discoveries. Deprivation may reinforce learning by promoting discomfort with the unknown and a focus on negative discoveries that one wishes to be reassured of or prepared for. • How curious people process uncertainty depends on the type of curiosity stimulated. • Interest-curiosity is linked to a variety of positive uncertainty attitudes. • Deprivation-curiosity is linked to a variety of negative uncertainty attitudes. • Trait-interest is linked to enjoying unknowns and a positive-discovery focus. • Trait-deprivation is linked to disliking unknowns and a negative-discovery focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the relationship between six high flyer personality traits and intelligence measured at the domain and facet level. In all, 820 adults completed a multidimensional High Flyers Personality Inventory (measuring six traits) and a multidimensional intelligence test. Correlational analysis showed four traits were related to specific measures of IQ; particularly Conscientiousness, Risk Approach, Ambiguity Acceptance, and Competitiveness. Regressions showed the five IQ measures were differently related to the six high flyer traits, accounting for between three and 7% of the variance. Additionally, structural equation models (SEM) demonstrated that these relationships differ between male and female participants. Results are discussed in terms of the literature on the relationship between preference (personality) and power (ability) tests. Limitations are acknowledged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the suitability of the restrictive framework of independent cluster model (ICM) and a more flexible framework of exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) to a personality instrument in a faking study. We proposed and answered five research questions using the model-testing procedures described by Morin, Arens, and Marsh (2016). More specifically, we compared the fit of ICM-CFA and ESEM, and ESEM and bi-factor ESEM, and we investigated the patterns of factor correlations and the presence of cross-loadings in these models. In our faking condition, we found the ESEM applications provided the better representation of the data, and the adverse effects of the strict assumptions of ICM-based models to be most apparent. Limitations and practical implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intellectual curiosity is a topic of research interest and often predicts academic performance (AP). However, evidence for its incremental validity, which the present study aimed to assess, is mixed. Participants were 216 (52 males, 151 females, 13 not reported) third-year psychology students (age M = 23.0 yrs) who completed tests of fluid and crystallised intelligence, five-factor model (FFM) personality, intellectual curiosity, and confidence. AP was obtained from university transcripts. No incremental validity above intelligence and FFM personality was found for measures of curiosity or confidence. In all analyses, Conscientiousness was the most substantial predictor of AP. Future research may focus on the conditions in which curiosity or confidence predict AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on epistemic curiosity and trait anxiety as personality traits promoting the occurrence of mind wandering (MW), and examined how these traits might predict the tendency toward MW based on an individual difference approach. MW tendency was measured using a self-report questionnaire in Study 1, and thought probes during a behavioral task in Study 2, while intentional and unintentional MW were reported separately. Epistemic curiosity was measured using questionnaires that assessed diversive and specific curiosity. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Effortful Control Scale were used to measure trait anxiety and executive control, respectively. Structural equation modeling showed that diversive curiosity positively predicted both intentional and unintentional MW tendency, whereas specific curiosity did not predict either MW type. In contrast, trait anxiety was not directly related to MW tendency, but was indirectly related via executive control. Executive control negatively affected only unintentional but not intentional MW. These findings indicate that MW is based on epistemic curiosity, a socially desirable personality trait. MW can be explained as occurring when the motivation for task-unrelated thoughts is heightened, partly due to a high level of diversive curiosity, while these thoughts are either executed intentionally or not suppressed by executive control processes. • Diversive curiosity positively affected mind-wandering (MW) tendency. • This effect was observed for both intentional and unintentional MW tendency. • Specific curiosity did not affect either type of MW tendency. • Trait anxiety affected MW tendency only indirectly via executive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have revealed that curiosity —seeking new information and experiences—can improve psychological and social functioning. However, the social nature of curiosity remains poorly understood. We tested whether curious people show better psychological adaptation because (1) they have less rejection sensitivity, and (2) they are less susceptible to daily social rejection experiences. These two hypotheses were supported by a cross-sectional study ( N = 500, 20–39 years old). We found that rejection sensitivity partially mediates the relationship between curiosity and psychological adaptation (life satisfaction and depression). Furthermore, curiosity moderated the relationships between perceived daily social rejection experiences and life satisfaction: Curious people are buffered against such aversive effects, relative to less curious people. Our findings suggest one possible explanation for why curious people experience better psychological functioning: They appear to be less affected by social rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anecdotal evidence suggests that curiosity contributes to creative performance. However, empirical work linking curiosity to creativity is surprisingly lacking. To fill this gap, this study examines the effect of trait epistemic curiosity on the creative problem solving process. Participants ( N = 122) responded to questionnaires assessing trait curiosity before performing in a low-fidelity simulation in which they were tasked with solving a complex marketing problem. The quality and originality of the creative solutions were then rated by three independent coders. Results revealed that diversive curiosity (i.e., epistemic curiosity associated with interest factors) had a positive influence on creative performance—an effect that was fully mediated by information seeking behavior during early-stage creative problem solving. Furthermore, diversive curiosity positively predicted ratings of both solution quality and originality beyond established predictors of creative performance (gender, personality, domain expertise, and GMA) and constructs conceptually similar to curiosity (epistemic openness to experience, need for cognition, and typical intellectual engagement). Specific curiosity (i.e., curiosity associated with deprivation factors) was unrelated to both creative problem solving and creative performance. Implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental tenet of self-determination theory is that the satisfaction of three basic, innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness is necessary for optimal functioning. The aim of this research was to propose novelty as a basic psychological need in self-determination theory and develop a new measure to assess novelty need satisfaction, the Novelty Need Satisfaction Scale (NNSS). Two studies were performed, one at the global lifestyle level (Study 1: general adults, N = 399, M age = 31.30 years) and the other at a contextual level in physical education (Study 2: first-year post-compulsory secondary school students, N = 1035, M age = 16.20 years). Participants completed the NNSS alongside measures of psychological needs and regulation styles from self-determination theory and psychological well-being. The six-item NNSS showed adequate psychometric properties and discriminant validity with other psychological needs in both studies. Novelty need satisfaction predicted life satisfaction (Study 1) and intrinsic motivation in physical education (Study 2) independent of the other three psychological needs. Results provide preliminary evidence that need for novelty is a unique candidate need alongside existing needs from self-determination theory, but further confirmatory and experimental research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curiosity has usually been seen as a multidimensional concept. The aim of the present study was to verify the factor structure of the 40-item trait scale developed by Olson (1986), who conceptualized exploration aroused by curiosity in terms of four distinct dimensions: Exploration of the Complex or Ambiguous, Manipulatory Exploration, Conceptual Exploration, and Perceptual Exploration. However, the reported high homogeneity of the total trait scale suggested item redundancy and overlapping subscales. There were also some doubts that at least the Manipulatory Exploration factor may be gender-related. Using hand rotation it was possible to combine both exploratory and more confirmatory factor analysis in the same analysis. The purpose of the exploratory factor analysis was to find out the gender-related items of the scale. The results showed that the scale contained only 17 reliable and unambiguous items which formed a highly correlating gender-free four-factor structure. An interpretationally meaningful second-order structure explained the intercorrelations of the first-order factors very well. The models were cross-validated using confirmatory factor analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that engagement with music containing violent themes (e.g., extreme metal, rap) often results in positive psychosocial outcomes for fans. However, it is not clear why fans are attracted to 'violent' music in the first place. Experiment 1 (N = 146) examined whether trait morbid curiosity is associated with fans' self-reported consumption of music containing violent themes. Experiment 2 (N = 96) presented short excerpts of extreme metal and rap music with or without violent themes to investigate whether individual differences in morbid curiosity predict listeners' curiosity towards, enjoyment of, and desire to further engage with novel music with violent themes. Both experiments supported predictions: (1) fans of violently themed music exhibited greater morbid curiosity than fans of non-violently themed music; (2) morbid curiosity significantly predicted the consumption and enjoyment of music containing violent themes; (3) fans and non-fans' intentions to further engage with novel music containing violent themes were significantly predicted by individual differences in the prevalence and magnitude of morbid curiosity. Findings suggest that trait morbid curiosity is an important factor in fans' initial motivation to listen to and subsequently enjoy music containing violent themes. Implications for theories describing how fans derive positive psychosocial outcomes from media violence are discussed. • Trait morbid curiosity refers to an interest in dangerous or threatening phenomena. • Fans of violently themed music exhibit greater morbid curiosity than non-fans. • Morbid curiosity predicts the attraction to and enjoyment of violently themed music. • Morbid curiosity informs theories of positive outcomes from violence in media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interaction between dopamine and oxytocin has been shown in several human and animal studies. Effects of oxytocin on dopaminergic activity depend on the location of dopaminergic neurons resulting in increased prosocial or decreased exploratory behavior. Both components are associated with attachment and the knowledge so far justifies investigating the interaction on a molecular genetic level with respect to adult attachment. A total number of N = 545 participants were genotyped for COMT rs4680 and OXTR rs53576. The Attachment-Style-Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to measure adult attachment. The interaction of COMT and OXTR yielded a significant result for the ASQ. The combination of the COMT-Met/Met and OXTR-AA genotype yielded significantly higher Need for Approval and Relationships as Secondary. The results confirm the interaction between dopamine and oxytocin for certain aspects of adult attachment as a "behavioral phenotype" and will be discussed with respect to a better understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of attachment. • Significant interaction of dopamine and oxytocin for adult attachment (ASQ) • Met/Met (rs4680) and AA (rs53576) individuals scored highest on insecurity scales • Need for Approval and Relationships as Secondary responsible for significant ASQ • Implications for pair bonding and mother-infant attachment • Epigenetics and brain imaging as next steps [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scales of Need for Cognition (NFC), Typical Intellectual Engagement (TIE), and Epistemic Curiosity (EC) measure intellectual curiosity (IC). These scales correlate strongly and have been factor-analyzed individually but not together. Here N = 396 (143 males) undergraduates completed measures of NFC, TIE, and EC. Six factors, labeled Intellectual Avoidance , Deprivation , Problem Solving , Abstract Thinking , Reading , and Wide Interest , were identified. TIE is the broadest scale, measuring all factors except Deprivation ; NFC measures Intellectual Avoidance and Problem Solving , plus Abstract Thinking and Deprivation to a lesser degree; and EC largely measures Deprivation . Moreover, Reading may not fit in the IC domain; higher-order factor analysis indicated that, whereas items measuring Reading loaded more strongly on their first-order factor, items measuring the other factors strongly loaded on a general factor of IC. These results are significant for understanding the contents of these scales, and for future scale development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships between Interest (I) and Deprivation (D) type epistemic curiosity (EC) and self-regulation were evaluated in two studies. In Study 1 (Italians, N = 151), I-type EC correlated positively with positive outcome-expectancies and risk-taking, but negatively with thinking about negative outcomes. D-type EC correlated positively with emotional restraint, thoughtful evaluation, and concern over negative outcomes and potential risks. In Study 2 (Americans, N = 218; Germans, N = 56), I-type EC correlated positively with behavioral activation, especially fun seeking, whereas D-type correlated negatively with fun seeking. Neither EC scale correlated significantly with behavioral inhibition. These findings suggest that I-type EC corresponds to fun, carefree and optimistic approaches to learning, while D-type EC reflects greater thoughtfulness and caution regarding knowledge-search. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Openness and Intellect have been proposed as different pathways towards cognitive exploration, yet this distinction remains untested with respect to the exploratory emotion of interest. In this study we examined multi-level appraisal processes to determine whether Openness and Intellect differ in their effects on interest. University undergraduates ( N = 99) rated their interest in seven literary quotations, and appraised the quotations for their novelty and understanding. Both Openness and Intellect predicted greater interest, but via different pathways. In between-person analyses, understanding mediated the Intellect/interest but not the Openness/interest relationship (i.e., high-Intellect people are more interested through greater understanding). In within-person analyses, Openness (but not Intellect) significantly moderated the understanding/interest relationship. High-Openness people experienced greater interest in difficult to understand quotations. Results highlight the need to examine within-person effects and to consider the lower-level elements of personality. These findings distinguish Openness and Intellect in terms of pathways towards interest and provide a dynamic understanding of the differences between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We tested for elevated levels of personality traits in bisexual women and men. [•] Traits tested: sexual sensation seeking, sexual curiosity, and sexual excitability. [•] Elevated levels of sexual sensation seeking and curiosity in women and men. [•] Elevated levels of sexual excitability in women only. [•] Effects tended to be stronger for women than men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Explored what leads to self-initiated gratitude interventions. [•] Greater dispositional curiosity and less depression increased self-initiation. [•] Beliefs from the theory of planned behavior mediated dispositional influences. [•] Women were more likely than men to initiate and complete the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Tests of fluid ability, Conscientiousness, and intellectual curiosity. [•] All correlated with final secondary school grades (academic success). [•] The four tests of intellectual curiosity loaded strongly on a general factor. [•] Fluid ability predicted grade variance (24%), Conscientiousness (4%). [•] General intellectual curiosity factor did not. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We examined individual differences in using and starting a gratitude intervention. [•] Curiosity was indirectly, positively related to behavior change via intentions. [•] Depressive symptoms were indirectly, inversely related to behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structure of character strengths among adolescents and their relation with wellbeing have received little systematic attention. This study examined the dimensions underlying the Values in Action (VIA) Character Strengths defined by and assessed their associations with measures of subjective wellbeing. High school students (N =501, aged 15–18) completed a series of questionnaires online, including a widely used strength measure the VIA-Child (also referred to in the literature as the VIA-Youth, ). Five strength factors – Temperance, Vitality, Curiosity, Interpersonal Strengths, and Transcendence – were obtained, and Temperance, Vitality, and Transcendence were independently associated with wellbeing and happiness. Implications for the study of character in adolescence, including gender differences and measurement issues, are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the relations between trait curiosity and the well-being of adolescents. The differences between adolescents with high, average and low trait curiosity on a number of subjective well-being (SWB) and distress measures have been examined. The sample consisted of 408 high school students, with an average age of 16.6years. The results showed that adolescents high in trait curiosity have higher levels of life satisfaction and positive affect and greater sense of purpose in life and hope than adolescents with both low and average curiosity. Contrary to significant differences on positive well-being measures, there were no robust differences between adolescents with high, average and low curiosity in distress. The findings of this research indicated that curiosity is a specific predictor of positive well-being and gave support to the two continua model of mental health, which view positive and negative well-being as relatively independent constructs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using a terror management theory paradigm, the present research assessed whether people characterized by both an attitude of curiosity, as well as mindful attention, would exhibit non-defensive reactions to targets that threaten their worldview. Participants (N =118) were randomly assigned to an existential threat (mortality salience) condition or a control condition then asked to read an essay describing humans as just another animal or an essay describing the uniqueness of humans. Participants higher in both curiosity and mindful attention responded non-defensively, rating the humans as animals essay writer as likeable and intelligent, with a valid opinion. Participants who were high in mindfulness but low in curiosity responded defensively, with negative judgments of the essay writer. Mindlessness (endorsing low curiosity and mindful attention) also mitigated defensive responding. Although mindful and mindless people both showed non-defensive reactions, we theorize about distinct causal paths. Results suggest that curiosity plays an important, understudied role in the benefits linked to mindfulness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Scholars have debated whether social networking websites provide valuable social connections or distract individuals from more rewarding real-life relationships. We propose that examining individual differences in one’s tendency to approach versus avoid the perspectives of other people can help resolve this issue: perspective curiosity and perspective defensiveness may predict different patterns of online behaviors. The present study uses a trait measure of Mind-Reading Motivation to assess the relationship of these tendencies with different categories of behaviors on Facebook. Results revealed that certain aspects of Facebook behavior (direct interactions with others over Facebook; Facebook as Real-life Supplement) were associated with approach motivation, a willingness to seek out others’ perspectives, while other aspects of Facebook behavior (Facebook-only Relationships; romantic relationship-seeking) were associated with a tendency to effortfully avoid others’ perspectives. Furthermore, openness to experience, but not extraversion, predicts Facebook behaviors above and beyond the effect of MRM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two studies were conducted to evaluate the validity of the Interest (I) and Deprivation (D) type epistemic curiosity (EC) distinction in non-students. In Study 1 (N =263), responses to two EC measures, the Epistemic Curiosity Scale (ECS; ) and the Curiosity as a Feeling-of-Deprivation Scale (CFDS; ) were submitted to confirmatory factor analysis. A 2-factor model comprising the 10 items previously identified by had the best fit as compared to several competing models. In Study 2 (N =202), correlations between 5-item I- and D-type EC scales and intrinsic and extrinsic work-related motives were evaluated. As hypothesized, I-type EC correlated with intrinsic motivation, whereas D-type EC was related to both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epistemic curiosity, the “desire for knowledge that motivates individuals to learn new ideas, eliminate information-gaps, and solve intellectual problems” (), has been identified as a crucial variable in different areas and stages of life. However, several constructs have been proposed that might be highly similar regarding construct domain, but are based on different theoretical positions and were investigated under different labels. Three of these constructs, namely need for cognition, typical intellectual engagement, and openness for ideas, were investigated regarding discriminant validity. Based on two studies with 395 and 191 participants, no evidence of discriminant validity could be found. Especially, correlations within several measures of curiosity, interpreted as convergent validity, had mean correlations of .60 and .59 for the two studies, respectively. Correlations between curiosity measures and the related constructs need for cognition, typical intellectual engagement, and openness for ideas, interpreted as discriminant validity, were virtually identical (.59 and .57, respectively). Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis indicated that one factor explained the variance of the investigated constructs reasonably well. It is concluded that integrating the body of research that has been built around these constructs might stimulate future research on epistemic curiosity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In two studies, hypotheses suggested by wanting-liking model of information-seeking were tested. In Study 1 (N =372) relationships between measures of dispositional Interest- (I) and Deprivation- (D) type curiosity, ambiguity tolerance (AT), and negative affectivity were examined. Consistent with the wanting-liking model, AT correlated positively with I-type curiosity and negatively with D-type curiosity. Also as predicted, I-type curiosity correlated negatively with negative traits, D-type curiosity correlated positively, and AT had minimal relationships. In Study 2 (N =158), correlations between trait I- and D-type curiosity and need for closure (NFC) were examined. Generally consistent with expectations, I-type curiosity correlated negatively with NFC, and D-type curiosity was related positively, although the relationships were very weak. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The success of horror films, popularity of true crime, and prevalence of violence in the news implies that morbid curiosity is a common psychological trait. However, research on morbid curiosity is largely absent from the psychological literature. In this paper, I present a psychometric tool for assessing morbid curiosity, defined as a motivation to seek out information about dangerous phenomena, and use it to investigate the psychological nature of morbid curiosity. In studies 1 and 2 (n total = 1370), the Morbid Curiosity Scale was developed and its relationship to personality was assessed. Morbidly curious individuals were rebellious, socially curious, and low in animal reminder disgust. Study 3 (n = 317) demonstrated that trait morbid curiosity is stable over 4–6 weeks and that morbidly curious individuals prefer movies where threat is a central theme. In Study 4 (n = 137), participants were presented with a choice between morbid information and non-morbid information (image and text). Morbid curiosity predicted over half the variance (r 2 = 0.53) in decisions to further investigate morbid information. These four studies provide evidence that morbid curiosity is a normally occurring psychological trait that can be assessed using the new 24-item Morbid Curiosity Scale. • Morbid entertainment and news topics suggest humans are morbidly curious. • The 24-item Morbid Curiosity Scale can be used to assess trait morbid curiosity. • Morbid curiosity is a stable and distinct individual difference. • Morbidly curious people prefer entertainment with threat as a central theme. • Scores on the Morbid Curiosity Scale strongly predict morbidly curious behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings suggest that behavioral repertoires frequently conceptualized as virtuous possess a fundamental nature that implicates virtues as highly desirable in facilitating group living through factors of caring, self-control, and inquisitiveness. Although much of this desirability has previously demonstrated in mating domains, it could be possible their benefits extend to affiliative and pathogen-avoidant domains. Two studies (N = 285) sought to determine the potential costs and benefits of associating with virtuous individuals (Study 1) and how these affordances could shape subsequent interpersonal preferences (Study 2). In Study 1, participants inferred a caring behavioral repertoire as particularly effective at facilitating affiliative, whereas inquisitiveness was perceived as particularly threatening to pathogen-avoidant goals. Study 2 provides evidence dispositionally heightened affiliative interests heightened preferences for caring, but pathogen-avoidant motives did not influence preferences. I frame results from an evolutionary perspective and synthesize it with recent findings demonstrating how virtue shapes effective group living. • Participants evaluated virtuous targets in terms of their ability to satisfy social motives. • Caring was perceived as more beneficial to affiliative goals and selected by affiliative individuals. • Inquisitiveness was perceived as threatening to pathogen-avoidant goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the worldwide implementation of quarantine regulations to suppress the spread of the COVID-19, anxiety, interpersonal distancing and autistic tendency may decrease individuals' desire to seek interpersonal information and thus might have negative effects on their interpersonal curiosity. Through behavioral paradigms and scales, two studies were conducted (Study 1: n = 570; Study 2: n = 501). We explored the predictive effect of anxiety on interpersonal curiosity in situations when mandatory isolation measures have led to dramatic changes in interpersonal distancing and autistic tendency. We found that interpersonal distancing and autistic tendency negatively predicted interpersonal curiosity, and these predictive effects suppressed the positive prediction of state anxiety to interpersonal curiosity. Our research provides insights into the relationships among anxiety, curiosity, interpersonal distancing, and autistic tendency during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Anxiety has different relationships with different kinds of curiosity. • State anxiety and interpersonal distancing positively predict autistic tendency. • Interpersonal distancing is negatively associated with interpersonal curiosity. • The positive prediction of state anxiety to interpersonal curiosity is suppessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The extent to which two measures of epistemic curiosity (EC), the Epistemic Curiosity Scale (ECS; ) and the curiosity as a Feeling-of-Deprivation Scale (CFDS; ), differentiated between interest (I) and deprivation (D) type curiosity was examined in four studies. In studies 1 (N =725) and 2 (N =658), exploratory factor analyses of the ECS and CFDS subscales yielded two factors; the first (I-type) involved pleasure associated with discovering new ideas, while the second (D-type) emphasized spending time and effort to acquire a specific answer or solution. In study 3 (N =762), confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that a 2-factor model comprised of the I- and D-type curiosity items identified in study 2 had the best fit. In study 4 (N =515), correlations between revised I- and D-type measures and different learning goals were evaluated. As hypothesized, the I-EC scale correlated with mastery-oriented learning, whereas the D-EC scale was related to failure-avoidance and success-orientation. The results suggest that I-EC is concerned with stimulating positive affect, diversive exploration, learning something completely new and mastery-oriented learning; D-EC involves the reduction of uncertainty, specific exploration, acquiring information that is missing from an existing knowledge-set and performance-oriented learning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Interpersonal curiosity (IPC) is the desire for new information about people. Fifty-one IPC items were administered to 321 participants (248 women, 73 men), along with other measures of curiosity and personality. Three factors were identified from which five-item subscales were developed that had good internal consistency: Curiosity about Emotions, Spying and Prying, and Snooping. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the three-factor model had acceptable fit. The IPC scales correlated positively with other curiosity measures and interest in gossip, providing evidence of convergent validity. Divergent validity was demonstrated in finding the other curiosity scales correlated more highly with each other than with IPC; parallel results were found for the gossip measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The development of a classification of strengths, the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths, has done much to advance research into strengths of character. Using an Internet sample of 17,056 UK respondents, we present data on the character strengths of a large UK sample. Women typically scored higher on strengths than did men. However, four of the top five “signature strengths” of the UK men and women overall were the same (open-mindedness, fairness, curiosity, and love of learning). Strengths typically showed small but significant positive associations with age, with the strongest associations with age between curiosity and love of learning (strengths of wisdom and knowledge), fairness (a strength of justice), and forgiveness and self-regulation (strengths of temperance). The discussion addresses potential limitations and suggests pertinent directions for future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a study of self-reports from 233 workers at four service companies, sensation seeking, as measured by Sensation Seeking Scale—Form V, impeded perceived workplace adaptation and subsequent perceived job performance. After controlling for job experience and the extent of change in the workplace, hierarchical regression analyses indicated that disinhibition (an aspect of sensation seeking) hindered workplace learning, which in turn diminished workplace socialization and subsequent job performance. The theoretical models explained 41% of the variance in overall job performance, 39% of the variance in technical job performance, and 27% of the variance in interpersonal job performance. The results extend findings that personality can affect job performance. Human resource professionals can use these results to improve employee orientation and training efforts. The authors speculate that sensation seeking may be more advantageous in dynamic workplaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To determine if sensory curiosity (SC) could be identified as a meaningful psychological construct, a pool of SC items was administered to 552 undergraduate students (402 women, 150 men), along with measures of perceptual and epistemic curiosity. Participants also responded to the trait anxiety, anger, and curiosity scales of the State-Trait Personality Inventory (STPI), and subscales of the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). Factor analyses of the SC items identified one strong factor, from which 10 items were selected to form a SC scale. Positive correlations of the SC scale with the other curiosity scales that were stronger than the correlations of the SSS subscales with these measures, provided evidence of convergent and discriminant validity for the SC scale. Divergent validity was evidenced by essentially zero correlations of the SC scale with the STPI anxiety, anger and depression measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many attempts have been made to measure curiosity and its components. However, there is no consensus on what curiosity is. Some researchers have also included the concept of sensation seeking in the concept of curiosity. In the present study, four previously constructed curiosity inventories and one sensation seeking scale were translated to Finnish and modified to be convenient for fifth-graders. The main purpose of the study was to clarify the concepts of curiosity and sensation seeking. Using conceptual analysis and the results of previous studies, it was possible to construct eight alternative conceptual models of curiosity. The corresponding statistical models were expected to account for the covariances among 15 subscales measuring curiosity-related exploratory behavior. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the fit of the alternative models. The four-step logic suggested by Stanley A. Mulaik was used in testing the models. A sample of 529 Finnish fifth-graders from southern Finland was divided according to sex (258 girls and 271 boys). The best-fitting model was a three-factor model with two trait factors and one method factor. The trait factors were termed Curiosity and Sensation Seeking. The findings of the present study appear to support the conclusion that curiosity and what has been called diversive curiosity are completely different traits as well as curiosity and sensation seeking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Perceptual curiosity, as defined by Berlyne (1954), involves interest in and giving attention to novel perceptual stimulation, and motivates visual and sensory-inspection. A 33-item questionnaire constructed to assess individual differences in perceptual curiosity was administered to 320 undergraduate students (202 females; 118 males). The participants also responded to the trait scales of the State-Trait Personality Inventory (STPI), and to selected subscales of the Sensation Seeking (SSS) and Novelty Experiencing (NES) scales. Principal axis factor analyses of the perceptual curiosity (PC) items identified a strong PC factor. With oblique rotation, diversive and specific PC components were found, from which subscales were constructed. Moderate positive correlations of the PC scale and subscales were found with the NES and STPI measures of curiosity and the SSS and NES sensation seeking scales, suggesting that perceptual curiosity involves seeking both knowledge and sensory experience. Divergent validity of the PC scale was demonstrated by minimal relationships with the STPI trait anger scale, and essentially zero correlations with the STPI trait anxiety and depression scales. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evidence regarding curiosity collected from autobiographies of renowned scientists and inventors written in the 20th and 21st centuries were analyzed to detect authentic expressions related to the five-dimensional model of curiosity and personality, in addition to other personal attributes. Explored were also profiles of contextual and personal factors leading scientifically-curious individuals to well-known professional expertise. Statistical analysis yielded three distinct profiles of those factors: The first depicted established families that offered the writers an intellectual home environment occasioning meaningful interactions and exposure to diverse fields and experiences. The writers also mentioned the influence of others throughout their professional development. The second profile depicted difficult background circumstances rendering the writers' areas of interest quite unusual in their family. While not mentioning receiving help from mentors or others, the writers express resilience and determination throughout their professional development. The third profile depicted the middle class's supportive and loving families who provided the writers a safe environment for development yet did not push them in a definite direction. Characterized are highly versatile individuals who considered exploration and learning pure pleasure. The study's contribution to deepening understanding of curious minds and their developmental trajectories was discussed with reference to autobiographical data's advantages and disadvantages. • Curiosity expressions were explored in autobiographies of renowned scientists and inventors. • Three profiles of contextual and personal factors were identified in the autobiographies. • Autobiographical data's advantages and disadvantages for studying curiosity were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the commentary by von Stumm, Hell, and Chamorro-Premuzic (in press) on our results (Powell & Nettelbeck, 2014) that typical intellectual engagement (TIE) had small incremental predictive validity for academic success and that, to the extent that this was so, it reflected something other than intellectual curiosity. We address each of the objections raised but maintain that these do not invalidate our original conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selecting a long-term romantic partner is largely contingent upon identifying behavioral repertoires indicating an ability to foster individual and communal flourishing through benevolence and relational fidelity. Within this suite of socially desirable traits are virtues that could be critical in selecting long-term mates. The current program of research presents two studies investigating the extent people select mates embodying virtue. Study 1 tasked participants with indicating the desirability of prospective mates espousing high and low levels of the three fundamental virtues, as observed through the VIA Model: caring, self-control, and inquisitiveness. High levels of virtue were especially desirable for long-term mating, with the preference for self-control being largest. Study 2 considered dispositional preferences for long-term mating, as indexed through restricted sociosexuality, with sociosexually restricted individuals reporting aversion to prospective mates exhibiting low self-control. We frame results through an evolutionary context and recommend future research to understand the adaptive function of virtue. • Two studies implicated virtue as highly desirable in a mate. • Prospective mates espousing high virtue were more desirable as long-term mates. • Sociosexually restricted individuals valuated the virtue of self-control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We created a revised multi-dimensional measure of curiosity. • Unlike the first version, there are separate overt and covert social curiosity subfactors. • The five curiosity dimensions could be distinguished by links to personality and well-being. • Construct validity and temporal stability results support this improved, briefer, nuanced, scale. Curiosity is a fundamental human motivation that influences learning, the acquisition of knowledge, and life fulfillment. Our ability to understand the benefits (and costs) of being a curious person hinges on adequate assessment. Synthesizing decades of prior research, our goal was to improve a well-validated, multi-dimensional measure of curiosity (Kashdan et al., 2018). First, we sought to distinguish between two types of social curiosity: the overt desire to learn from other people versus covert, surreptitious interest in what other people say and do. Second, we sought to remove weaker items and reduce the length of each subscale. Using data from a survey of 483 working adults (Study 1) and 460 community adults (Study 2), we found evidence to support the pre-existing four dimensions of curiosity (Joyous Exploration, Deprivation Sensitivity, Stress Tolerance, and Thrill Seeking) along with the separation of the fifth dimension into Overt Social Curiosity and Covert Social Curiosity. Each factor of the Five-Dimensional Curiosity Scale Revised (5DCR) had substantive relations with a battery of personality (e.g., Big Five, intellectual humility) and well-being (e.g., psychological need satisfaction) measures. With greater bandwidth and predictive power, the 5DCR offers new opportunities for basic research and the evaluation of curiosity enhancing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Paper explores entrepreneurial passion to entrepreneurial intentions relationship. • Innovativeness partially mediates the passion to intentions relationship. • Curiosity positively moderates the passion to intentions mediated relationship. Previous studies have shown that entrepreneurial passion has a positive relationship with entrepreneurial intentions, however we do not know much about the underlying mechanisms that might mediate or moderate this relationship. This study extends the existing literature by examining the mediating role of innovativeness and the moderating role of curiosity in the entrepreneurial passion to entrepreneurial intentions relationship. Results, based on analysis of data collected from 295 respondents, showed that innovativeness partially mediated the entrepreneurial passion to entrepreneurial intentions relationship. Further, the mediating effect was stronger for individuals who scored high on curiosity than for individuals who scored low on curiosity. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the how, and the when of how, of the entrepreneurial passion to entrepreneurial intentions relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curiosity is a fundamental human motive that is beginning to garner closer attention by researchers and practitioners interested in workplace functioning. Recent work suggests that rather than designating someone as possessing curiosity or not, there is benefit in detailing the various elements of curiosity. To date, there is no research on how multiple dimensions of curiosity operate in the workplace. Across four samples, we developed and validated the M-Workplace Curiosity Scale. Participants were American and German employees from a range of industries. We found evidence for four workplace curiosity dimensions: Joyous Exploration, Deprivation Sensitivity, Stress Tolerance, and Openness to People's Ideas. These workplace curiosity dimensions predicted a substantial amount of variance in adaptive outcomes including job satisfaction, work engagement, job crafting, healthy work relationships, and innovation; as a test of construct specificity, workplace curiosity outperformed trait mindfulness in predicting each of these workplace outcomes. Results offer support for a comprehensive model of curiosity that identifies high performing, satisfied individuals in the workplace. These findings underscore the importance of understanding, assessing, leveraging, and developing curiosity in teams and organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that greater curiosity, the desire to know, is associated with more creativity, which entails generating new or useful ideas or products. The intense concentration and absorption that characterises the phenomenon of flow may connect curiosity with creativity. The present study investigated the connections between three dimensions of curiosity, namely joyous exploration-related curiosity, knowledge-deprivation sensitivity, and stress tolerance. Fifty-seven participants, with a mean age of 35, engaged in the novel task of designing a water conservation program. Participants judged their experience of designing the program on scales that assessed their curiosity and flow during the activity. Two raters independently coded each participant's program description on creativity, and the mean of the two ratings produced the creativity score for that participant. Higher joyous exploration curiosity, knowledge-deprivation sensitivity, and tolerance of stress were all associated with more flow. More experience of flow, as judged by participants after engaging in the activity, was significantly associated with greater creativity. Even though the direct relationships between curiosity and creativity did not reach statistical significance, flow linked each of the dimensions of curiosity with creativity. These findings may provide a basis for programs intended to increase flow or creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their recent article Powell and Nettelbeck (2014) question the predictive validity of intellectual curiosity for academic performance. We discuss here three issues we found with their report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]