Abstract
Lewin’s function of Behavior = f (Person,Environment) is specified to denote person-environment fit (PE fit). It was hypothesized that level and consistency of Big Five behavioral enactment is predicted by PE fit (matching between people’s traits and environmental affordances). With polynomial regression and response surface analysis it can be addressed to what extent the degree of PE (mis) fit (trait = affordance, trait ≠ affordance) and direction of misfit (trait > affordance, affordance > trait) are consequential. This was tested in N = 176 students who described in three waves their situations on the Riverside Situational Q-Sort and their behavior in that situation on the Riverside Behavioral Q-Sort. Additionally, two coders per wave rated each situation according to its affordance. Consistent findings were obtained across waves and affordance ratings. Level of behavioral enactment was predicted for all Big Five from PE fit, while consistency of behavioral enactment for Extraversion and Agreeableness (which showed curvilinear relations). PE fit may constitute an important but overlooked concept.
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