The impact of affectivity on the behaviour of Portuguese adolescents / El impacto de la afectividad en la conducta de los adolescentes portugueses

Abstract

The theoretical literature about affectivity shows its influence over positive and negative behaviour. This study analyses the impact of affectivity on the behaviour of Portuguese adolescents, as this knowledge is considered relevant to promoting skills and decreasing risky behaviours in adolescents. A total of 696 students (M = 15.22 years old; SD = 1.4) participated in this study by responding to the PANAS-N (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) and SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). The former measures the level of affect while the latter measures prosocial behaviours, emotional symptoms and behavioural problems. The results showed that positive affect positively influences prosocial behaviour. Emotional symptoms and behaviour problems are negatively affected by positive affect, and positive symptoms and behaviours by negative affect. Moreover, boys had higher scores on behaviour problems, while girls had higher scores in prosocial behaviour and emotional symptoms. For these reasons, affectivity should be considered in programmes to reduce behaviour problems and emotional symptoms.