Reexamining the temporal aspects of affect: relationships between repeatedly measured affective state, subjective well-being, and affective disposition

Research that includes measures of affect has often used measures of affective state, subjective well-being, and affective disposition interchangeably. The present study examined the relationships between three widely-used measures of these constructs. Examination of coefficient alpha and test–retest reliabilities indicated that there are temporal differences between the constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis models indicated that affective state correlates with subjective well-being, which in turn correlates with affective disposition. Results indicate that the constructs are related but not equivalent, and that researchers should ensure they use the most valid instrument for the construct they wish to measure.