Longitudinal Mediation of the Motivational Dimension of Affect: Neuroticism and Dual-Task Cognitive Plasticity

The capacity to coordinate dual tasks constitutes a critical element of executive function. In accordance with the motivational dimensional model of affect, high avoidance emotions restrain executive function. Concurrently, high levels of neuroticism are associated with poorer executive function and emotional regulation abilities. This study employed the psychological refractory period (PRP) paradigm to measure dual-task coordination ability and investigate whether motivation of affect plays a longitudinal mediating role between neuroticism and dual-task coordination ability. The findings demonstrated that: (1) motivation of affect negatively predicted dual-task coordination ability; (2) Both dual-task coordination and motivation of affect underwent temporal variations, with individuals having higher levels of neuroticism manifesting stronger avoidance emotions at the initial stage; (3) Through the longitudinal mediation of the initial level and slope of change in the motivation of affect, individuals with higher neuroticism levels exhibited a slower rate of improvement in dual-task coordination ability during practice. Overall, the impact of neuroticism on the cognitive plasticity of dual-task performance can be accounted for through the longitudinal mediation of motivation of affect.