Abstract
Despite the broad consensus in psychology that human behaviour is influenced by the interaction between characteristics of the person and characteristics of the situation, not much is known about the precise shape of this person–situation (P × S) interaction. To address this issue, we introduce and test the nonlinear interaction of person and situation (NIPS) model. The NIPS model can be applied to explain contradictory research results, offers a more accurate prediction of behaviour, and can be applied to any trait. In three studies and with three different analytical approaches, we test the NIPS model and its implications. In the pre–study, we test whether variability in participants’ behaviour is smaller in extreme aggression–provoking and jealousy–inducing situations than in moderate situations, suggesting the effect of ‘strong’ situations at the extremes of the situation continuum. In Studies 1 and 2, we test the nonlinear relation between person and situation variables in predicting behaviour in within–subject designs and provide support for the predictions of the NIPS model. Future lines of research with the NIPS model are discussed. Copyright © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology
Published Version
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