Daily life processes predict long-term development in explicit and implicit representations of Big Five traits: Testing predictions from the TESSERA (Triggering situations, Expectancies, States and State Expressions, and ReActions) framework.

This study examined daily life processes and their contribution to long-term continuity and change in explicit and implicit representations of Big 5 traits. The TESSERA framework (Wrzus & Roberts, 2017) served as theoretical background to derive predictions on 3 linked research questions (RQ) regarding (a) trait–state associations (RQ1); (b) antecedents and consequences of personality states (RQ2); as well as (c) processes of personality development (RQ3). We assessed Big 5 traits using self-ratings (i.e., BFI-44) and implicit association tests 4 times across 2 years in a sample of 382 younger (Mage = 21.57 years) and older (Mage = 67.76 years) adults. We also assessed momentary processes in multiple waves of daily diaries (total M = 43.9 days) focusing on people’s most memorable daily experience. As predicted in RQ1, all self-rated traits, and implicit associations of self with conscientiousness, agreeableness, or emotional stability predicted subsequent trait-relevant situations and states. Regarding RQ2 across all trait domains, momentary processes could be generalized as sequences of Triggering situations, Expectancies, States and State Expressions, and ReActions (i.e., TESSERA sequences). With respect to RQ3, states were associated with long-term changes in self-rated conscientiousness and agreeableness, and self-rated and implicitly measured extraversion. Our findings further support the assumption that momentary experiences in daily life can contribute to long-term Big 5 changes, and extend previous research by examining implicit self-concepts and changes therein. The findings highlight the role of triggering situations, expectancies, reactions, and reflection in personality development in addition to trait-relevant states. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)