When traits meet the moment: State and perceived partner motivations interact with approach-avoidance temperament to predict social preferences in daily life.

Abstract

Social interactions are influenced by personality traits such as approach-avoidance motives. However, it remains unclear how traits, states, and interpersonal perceptions interact to shape everyday social experiences - and for whom their interactions are most consequential. Addressing this gap is critical for advancing personality-in-context models and identifying mechanisms underlying deficits in interpersonal functioning. A two-week Ecological Momentary Assessment was conducted with 136 participants (N = 3,991 social interactions), who reported on motivational states, partner perceptions, and interaction preferences. The combined model integrating traits, states, and perceptions best predicted interaction preferences. Higher approach-related traits, states, and perceptions predicted increased interaction preference, whereas avoidance-related states and perceptions (but not avoidance traits) predicted lower interaction preference. Exploratory analyses revealed that deficits in interpersonal functioning were associated with overall lower interaction preference and showed only modest amplifying effects on avoidance-related motives, with underlying slopes remaining directionally consistent across levels of functioning. Short-term lagged associations between motivation and interaction preference were modest and highly time-dependent, with effects dissipating quickly as time between interactions increased. Integrating trait and state perspectives offers valuable insights for understanding social functioning, particularly in individuals at risk for interpersonal difficulties.