Curiosity and Exploration: Facilitating Positive Subjective Experiences and Personal Growth Opportunities

• Published in: Journal of personality assessment Vol. 82; no. 3; pp. 291 - 305
• Main Authors: Kashdan, Todd B., Rose, Paul, Fincham, Frank D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc 01.06.2004; Taylor & Francis; Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Curiosity; Developmental psychology; Exploration; Exploratory Behavior; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Male; Motivation; Personal development; Personal growth; Personal Satisfaction; Personality tests; Personality traits; Personality. Affectivity; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Psychometrics; Subjective experiences; Human; Discriminant validity; Evaluation scale; Psychometrics; Emotion emotionality; Personality; Test validation; Theoretical model; Motivation; Convergent validity; Curiosity; Self regulation; Measurement method
• ISSN: 0022-3891; 1532-7752
• DOI: 10.1207/s15327752jpa8203_05

In an effort to expand research on curiosity, we elaborate on a theoretical model that informs research on the design of a new measure and the nomological network of curiosity. Curiosity was conceptualized as a positive emotional-motivational system associated with the recognition, pursuit, and self-regulation of novelty and challenge. Using 5 independent samples, we developed the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory (CEI) comprising 2 dimensions: exploration (appetitive strivings for novelty and challenge) and absorption (full engagement in specific activities). The CEI has good psychometric properties, is relatively unaffected by socially desirable responding, is relatively independent from positive affect, and has a nomological network consistent with our theoretical framework. Predicated on our personal growth facilitation model, we discuss the potential role of curiosity in advancing understanding of various psychological phenomena.