From Fear to Flow

8

Need for cognition

In the next chapters, personal characteristics which fall outside the five-factor model will be discussed (Block, 1995). These traits are need for cognition (Cacioppo et al., 1996), positive emotionality, self-efficacy (Bandura, 2001), self-confidence and locus of control (Rotter, 1966). In addition, two central models of information behavior which have been linked to individual differences in specific situations will be presented, namely the coping styles of monitoring and blunting (Miller, 1987), and uncertainty orientation (Sorrentino et al., 2003).

Persons with a high need for cognition take pleasure in reasoning, problem-solving and hard thinking (Cacioppo et al., 1996). They are curious, open to new ideas and want ...