Extraversion and Neuroticism Modulate Emotional Reactivity to Reward Downshifts

Successive negative contrast (SNC) is characterized by the behavioral disruption that occurs when the magnitude of a reward unexpectedly decreases from a large to a small value, a phenomenon we explored using a novel reward downshift task. This study aimed to examine the relationship between personality dimensions—specifically neuroticism and extraversion—and the intensity of frustration that arises in response to this reward downshift. Participants were categorized based on their levels of extraversion and underwent the reward downshift task, where initially, complexity was lower in the experimental group, allowing for more positive feedback. Midway through, the task's difficulty was increased unexpectedly, matching the consistently high difficulty faced by the control group from the start. Results indicated that participants with low extraversion and high neuroticism experienced significantly heightened feelings of frustration, anger, and sadness, along with decreased happiness when rewards were reduced. Interestingly, these emotional responses were absent when rewards remained consistently low throughout the experiment. These findings underscore the impact of personality on emotional reactions to reward changes and highlight the potential for tailored therapeutic strategies to address individual differences in coping mechanisms.