Claudia Haase | Northwestern University (original) (raw)

Papers by Claudia Haase

Research paper thumbnail of Premature Behavioral Autonomy

European Psychologist, Mar 4, 2015

Timing matters in the development of adolescents' behavioral autonomy. Drawing from two German na... more Timing matters in the development of adolescents' behavioral autonomy. Drawing from two German national surveys, the present studies showed that premature curfew autonomy (measured retrospectively) was associated with developmental risks in late adolescence (16-21 years, assessed in 1996) and young adulthood (25-30 years, assessed in 2005). Premature individuals neither experienced socioeconomic disadvantages nor had lower educational aspirations in late adolescence, but they attained lower levels of education in young adulthood. Premature curfew autonomy was further associated with maladjustment regarding certain developmental challenges of late adolescence (higher deviant behavior, lower disclosure, higher identity diffusion, and lower planfulness) and young adulthood (no differences in employment and partnership status, but higher demands of social change in work, family, and public life). Finally, premature curfew autonomy was related to lower subjective well-being in late adolescence and young adulthood.

Research paper thumbnail of Positive Urgency and Emotional Reactivity: Evidence for Altered Responding to Positive Stimuli

Research paper thumbnail of Interpersonal Emotional Behaviors and Physical Health: A 20-Year Longitudinal Study of Long-Term Married Couples

Objectively coded interpersonal emotional behaviors that emerged during a 15-min marital conflict... more Objectively coded interpersonal emotional behaviors that emerged during a 15-min marital conflict interaction predicted the development of physical symptoms in a 20-year longitudinal study of long-term marriages. Dyadic latent growth curve modeling showed that anger behavior predicted increases in cardiovascular symptoms and stonewalling behavior predicted increases in musculoskeletal symptoms. Both associations were found for husbands (although cross-lagged path models also showed some support for wives) and were controlled for sociodemographic characteristics (age, education) and behaviors (i.e., exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption) known to influence health. Both associations did not exist at the start of the study, but only emerged over the ensuing 20 years. There was some support for the specificity of these relationships (i.e., stonewalling behavior did not predict cardiovascular symptoms; anger behavior did not predict musculoskeletal symptoms; neither symptom was predicted by fear nor sadness behavior), with the anger-cardiovascular relationship emerging as most robust. Using cross-lagged path models to probe directionality of these associations, emotional behaviors predicted physical health symptoms over time (with some reverse associations found as well). These findings illuminate longstanding theoretical and applied issues concerning the association between interpersonal emotional behaviors and physical health and suggest opportunities for preventive interventions focused on specific emotions to help address major public health problems.

Research paper thumbnail of The interplay of occupational motivation and well-being during the transition from university to work.

A successful entry into work is one of the key developmental tasks in young adulthood. The presen... more A successful entry into work is one of the key developmental tasks in young adulthood. The present 4-wave longitudinal study examined the interplay between occupational motivation (i.e., goal engagement and goal disengagement) and well-being (i.e., satisfaction with life, satisfaction with work, satisfaction with partnership, positive affect, depressive symptoms, autonomy, purpose in life, positive relations with others) during the transition from university to work. The sample consisted of 498 university graduates from 4 majors with favorable or unfavorable employment opportunities. Data were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. The results showed that increases in goal engagement were associated with increases in numerous aspects of well-being. Increases in goal disengagement were associated with decreases in numerous aspects of well-being. However, this dynamic was not without exception. Goal engagement at graduation was associated with a decrease in autonomy and, for individuals with unfavorable employment opportunities, an increase in depressive symptoms. Goal disengagement at graduation was associated with an increase in satisfaction with work. These findings elucidate why some individuals may opt for overall maladaptive motivational strategies during the transition into the workforce: They provide selective well-being benefits. In sum, how young adults deal with their occupational goals is closely linked to changes in their well-being.

Research paper thumbnail of Adaptive adjustment of vocational aspirations among German youths during the transition from school to work

Journal of Vocational Behavior, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Short Alleles, Bigger Smiles? The Effect of 5-HTTLPR on Positive Emotional Expressions

Emotion, 2015

The present research examined the effect of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporte... more The present research examined the effect of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene on objectively coded positive emotional expressions (i.e., laughing and smiling behavior objectively coded using the Facial Action Coding System). Three studies with independent samples of participants were conducted. Study 1 examined young adults watching still cartoons. Study 2 examined young, middle-aged, and older adults watching a thematically ambiguous yet subtly amusing film clip. Study 3 examined middle-aged and older spouses discussing an area of marital conflict (that typically produces both positive and negative emotion). Aggregating data across studies, results showed that the short allele of 5-HTTLPR predicted heightened positive emotional expressions. Results remained stable when controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and depressive symptoms. These findings are consistent with the notion that the short allele of 5-HTTLPR functions as an emotion amplifier, which may confer heightened susceptibility to environmental conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of Associations Between Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers, Neurodegeneration, and Cognition in Cognitively Normal Older People

JAMA Neurology, 2013

IMPORTANCE Criteria for preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD) propose β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques to init... more IMPORTANCE Criteria for preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD) propose β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques to initiate neurodegeneration within AD-affected regions. However, some cognitively normal older individuals harbor neural injury similar to patients with AD, without concurrent Aβ burden. Such findings challenge the proposed sequence and suggest that Aβ-independent precursors underlie AD-typical neurodegenerative patterns. OBJECTIVE To examine relationships between Aβ and non-Aβ factors as well as neurodegeneration within AD regions in cognitively normal older adults. The study quantified neurodegenerative abnormalities using imaging biomarkers and examined cross-sectional relationships with Aβ deposition; white matter lesions (WMLs), a marker of cerebrovascular disease; and cognitive functions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional study in a community-based convenience sample of 72 cognitively normal older individuals (mean [SD] age, 74.9 [5.7] years; 48 women; mean [SD] 17.0 [1.9] years of education) of the Berkeley Aging Cohort. INTERVENTION Each individual underwent a standardized neuropsychological test session, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scanning.

Research paper thumbnail of Cortical thickness mediates the effect of  -amyloid on episodic memory

Neurology, 2014

Cortical thickness mediates the effect of b-amyloid on episodic memory ABSTRACT Objective: To inv... more Cortical thickness mediates the effect of b-amyloid on episodic memory ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the associations among b-amyloid (Ab), cortical thickness, and episodic memory in a cohort of cognitively normal to mildly impaired individuals at increased risk of vascular disease.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of the serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) on empathic and self-conscious emotional reactivity

Emotion, 2013

We examined the relationship between a functional polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene ... more We examined the relationship between a functional polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and individual differences in emotional reactivity in two laboratory studies. In Study 1, empathic responding and physiological reactivity to viewing films of others in distress were assessed in healthy adults in three age groups. In Study 2, emotional responding to watching oneself in an embarrassing situation was assessed in healthy adults and in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In Study 1, participants with two short alleles of 5-HTTLPR reported more personal distress and showed higher levels of physiological responses in response to the films than participants with long alleles. In Study 2, participants with two short alleles reported more anger and amusement and displayed more emotional expressive behaviors in response to the embarrassing situation than participants with long alleles. These two findings from diverse samples of participants converge to indicate that individuals who are homozygous for the short allele variant of 5-HTTLPR have greater levels of emotional reactivity in two quite different socially embedded contexts.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental regulation across the life span: Toward a new synthesis

How can individuals regulate their own development to live happy, healthy, and productive lives? ... more How can individuals regulate their own development to live happy, healthy, and productive lives? Major theories of developmental regulation across the life span have been proposed (e.g., dual-process model of assimilation and accommodation; motivational theory of life-span development; model of selection, optimization, and compensation), but they have rarely been integrated. We provide an integration of key processes and predictions postulated by the 3 theories. Moreover, we present evidence from 2 ageheterogeneous, cross-sectional studies showing that the different processes of developmental regulation proposed by the different theories center around 3 key processes (i.e., goal engagement, goal disengagement, and metaregulation), which are positively associated with age and well-being. We conclude by proposing an agenda for future research.

Research paper thumbnail of The interplay of occupational motivation and well-being during the transition from university to work

Developmental Psychology, 2012

A successful entry into work is one of the key developmental tasks in young adulthood. The presen... more A successful entry into work is one of the key developmental tasks in young adulthood. The present 4-wave longitudinal study examined the interplay between occupational motivation (i.e., goal engagement and goal disengagement) and well-being (i.e., satisfaction with life, satisfaction with work, satisfaction with partnership, positive affect, depressive symptoms, autonomy, purpose in life, positive relations with others) during the transition from university to work. The sample consisted of 498 university graduates from 4 majors with favorable or unfavorable employment opportunities. Data were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. The results showed that increases in goal engagement were associated with increases in numerous aspects of well-being. Increases in goal disengagement were associated with decreases in numerous aspects of well-being. However, this dynamic was not without exception. Goal engagement at graduation was associated with a decrease in autonomy and, for individuals with unfavorable employment opportunities, an increase in depressive symptoms. Goal disengagement at graduation was associated with an increase in satisfaction with work. These findings elucidate why some individuals may opt for overall maladaptive motivational strategies during the transition into the workforce: They provide selective well-being benefits. In sum, how young adults deal with their occupational goals is closely linked to changes in their well-being.

Research paper thumbnail of Positive and negative affect as resource and information for goal-engagement and disengagement

Research paper thumbnail of Adaptive adjustment of vocational aspirations among German youths during the transition from school to work

Journal of Vocational Behavior, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Happiness as a Motivator: Positive Affect Predicts Primary Control Striving for Career and Educational Goals

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Goal Engagement During the School-Work Transition: Beneficial for All, Particularly for Girls

Journal of Research on Adolescence, 2008

The school-to-work transition presents a substantial regulatory challenge for youth in modern soc... more The school-to-work transition presents a substantial regulatory challenge for youth in modern societies. Based on the action-phase model of developmental regulation, we investigated the effects of goal engagement on transition outcomes in a high-density longitudinal study of noncollege-bound German adolescents (N 5 362). Career-related goal engagement was important for attaining a desired career goal (i.e., apprenticeship) for girls who generally faced unfavorable employment opportunities. For boys, goal engagement did not predict the attainment of an apprenticeship. Goal engagement was nonetheless beneficial for well-being, predicting positive affect for both girls and boys. This effect was not mediated by attainment of an apprenticeship. The findings elucidate the role of goal engagement under structural and temporal constraints and suggest possible avenues for intervention.

Research paper thumbnail of Early, on-time, and late behavioural autonomy in adolescence: Psychosocial correlates in young and middle adulthood

Journal of Adolescence, 2011

Adolescent development Young and middle adulthood Behavioural autonomy Developmental timing Early... more Adolescent development Young and middle adulthood Behavioural autonomy Developmental timing Early and late transitions a b s t r a c t Drawing on two nationally representative German studies (N 1 ¼ 1744, N 2 ¼ 759), we examined correlates of early, on-time, and late curfew autonomy, a retrospective indicator of behavioural autonomy, in young and middle adulthood (19-37 years of age). Adjustment in four domains was considered: educational attainment, externalizing problem behaviour, subjective well-being, and interpersonal relationships. The early group showed lower adjustment in multiple domains across young and middle adulthood. The late group reported a mixed pattern of adjustment at younger ages (lower externalizing problems, but lower positive affect, lower importance of peers, and lower likelihood to have a partner) and positive adjustment in all domains at older ages. Timing effects were controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and retrospective measures of early adversities, pubertal timing, disclosure to parents, and peer group affiliation in adolescence. Findings show that late behavioural autonomy in its correlates is not simply the opposite of early behavioural autonomy. Ó In many Western societies, adolescence is a period when individuals gain behavioural independence, establish more reciprocal relationships with parents, and develop their own system of values. These tasks have been referred to as the development of behavioural, emotional, and cognitive autonomy (e.g., . Drawing on the life course approach, which maintains that the timing of developmental transitions is important for psychosocial adjustment (e.g., , the present article focuses on the timing of behavioural autonomy and its correlates. Previous research has shown that premature behavioural autonomy is linked to unfavourable developmental outcomes. Although theory suggests that late timing may also be maladaptive, empirical research on late behavioural autonomy is missing. The present article addresses this research gap.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of positive affect on risk perceptions in adolescence and young adulthood

Journal of Adolescence, 2011

Affective influences may play a key role in adolescent risk taking, but have rarely been studied.... more Affective influences may play a key role in adolescent risk taking, but have rarely been studied. Using an audiovisual method of affect induction, two experimental studies examined the effect of positive affect on risk perceptions in adolescence and young adulthood. Outcomes were risk perceptions regarding drinking alcohol, smoking a cigarette, riding in a car with a drunk driver, getting into a fight, and having unprotected sexual intercourse. Study 1 showed that positive affect led to lower risk perceptions than neutral affect for young adults (mean age 23). Study 2 replicated the effect for early adolescents (mean age 13), mid-adolescents (mean age 17), and young adults (mean age 23). Moreover, Study 2 showed that the effect was most pronounced at high levels of impulsiveness. Adolescents and young adults may be more risk averse in contexts that do not give rise to emotions, but have markedly lower risk perceptions under positive affect. Ó

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment response in couple therapy: Relationship adjustment and individual functioning change processes.

Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Pinsof, W. M., & Haase, C. M. (in press). Treatment response in couple t... more Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Pinsof, W. M., & Haase, C. M. (in press). Treatment response in couple therapy: Relationship adjustment and individual functioning change processes. Journal of Family Psychology.

Research paper thumbnail of Short alleles, bigger smiles? Effects of 5-HTTLPR on smiling and laughing behavior

Haase, C. M., Beermann, U., Saslow, L. R., Shiota, M. N., Whalen, P. K., Saturn, S. R., Lwi, S., ... more Haase, C. M., Beermann, U., Saslow, L. R., Shiota, M. N., Whalen, P. K., Saturn, S. R., Lwi, S., Keltner, D., & Levenson, R. W. (2015). Short alleles, bigger smiles? Effects of 5-HTTLPR on smiling and laughing behavior. Emotion.

Research paper thumbnail of Growing to trust: Evidence that trust increases and sustains well-being across the life span

Poulin, M. J., & Haase, C. M. (2015). Growing to trust: Evidence that trust increases and sustain... more Poulin, M. J., & Haase, C. M. (2015). Growing to trust: Evidence that trust increases and sustains well-being across the life span. Social Psychological and Personality Science.

Research paper thumbnail of Premature Behavioral Autonomy

European Psychologist, Mar 4, 2015

Timing matters in the development of adolescents' behavioral autonomy. Drawing from two German na... more Timing matters in the development of adolescents' behavioral autonomy. Drawing from two German national surveys, the present studies showed that premature curfew autonomy (measured retrospectively) was associated with developmental risks in late adolescence (16-21 years, assessed in 1996) and young adulthood (25-30 years, assessed in 2005). Premature individuals neither experienced socioeconomic disadvantages nor had lower educational aspirations in late adolescence, but they attained lower levels of education in young adulthood. Premature curfew autonomy was further associated with maladjustment regarding certain developmental challenges of late adolescence (higher deviant behavior, lower disclosure, higher identity diffusion, and lower planfulness) and young adulthood (no differences in employment and partnership status, but higher demands of social change in work, family, and public life). Finally, premature curfew autonomy was related to lower subjective well-being in late adolescence and young adulthood.

Research paper thumbnail of Positive Urgency and Emotional Reactivity: Evidence for Altered Responding to Positive Stimuli

Research paper thumbnail of Interpersonal Emotional Behaviors and Physical Health: A 20-Year Longitudinal Study of Long-Term Married Couples

Objectively coded interpersonal emotional behaviors that emerged during a 15-min marital conflict... more Objectively coded interpersonal emotional behaviors that emerged during a 15-min marital conflict interaction predicted the development of physical symptoms in a 20-year longitudinal study of long-term marriages. Dyadic latent growth curve modeling showed that anger behavior predicted increases in cardiovascular symptoms and stonewalling behavior predicted increases in musculoskeletal symptoms. Both associations were found for husbands (although cross-lagged path models also showed some support for wives) and were controlled for sociodemographic characteristics (age, education) and behaviors (i.e., exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption) known to influence health. Both associations did not exist at the start of the study, but only emerged over the ensuing 20 years. There was some support for the specificity of these relationships (i.e., stonewalling behavior did not predict cardiovascular symptoms; anger behavior did not predict musculoskeletal symptoms; neither symptom was predicted by fear nor sadness behavior), with the anger-cardiovascular relationship emerging as most robust. Using cross-lagged path models to probe directionality of these associations, emotional behaviors predicted physical health symptoms over time (with some reverse associations found as well). These findings illuminate longstanding theoretical and applied issues concerning the association between interpersonal emotional behaviors and physical health and suggest opportunities for preventive interventions focused on specific emotions to help address major public health problems.

Research paper thumbnail of The interplay of occupational motivation and well-being during the transition from university to work.

A successful entry into work is one of the key developmental tasks in young adulthood. The presen... more A successful entry into work is one of the key developmental tasks in young adulthood. The present 4-wave longitudinal study examined the interplay between occupational motivation (i.e., goal engagement and goal disengagement) and well-being (i.e., satisfaction with life, satisfaction with work, satisfaction with partnership, positive affect, depressive symptoms, autonomy, purpose in life, positive relations with others) during the transition from university to work. The sample consisted of 498 university graduates from 4 majors with favorable or unfavorable employment opportunities. Data were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. The results showed that increases in goal engagement were associated with increases in numerous aspects of well-being. Increases in goal disengagement were associated with decreases in numerous aspects of well-being. However, this dynamic was not without exception. Goal engagement at graduation was associated with a decrease in autonomy and, for individuals with unfavorable employment opportunities, an increase in depressive symptoms. Goal disengagement at graduation was associated with an increase in satisfaction with work. These findings elucidate why some individuals may opt for overall maladaptive motivational strategies during the transition into the workforce: They provide selective well-being benefits. In sum, how young adults deal with their occupational goals is closely linked to changes in their well-being.

Research paper thumbnail of Adaptive adjustment of vocational aspirations among German youths during the transition from school to work

Journal of Vocational Behavior, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Short Alleles, Bigger Smiles? The Effect of 5-HTTLPR on Positive Emotional Expressions

Emotion, 2015

The present research examined the effect of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporte... more The present research examined the effect of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene on objectively coded positive emotional expressions (i.e., laughing and smiling behavior objectively coded using the Facial Action Coding System). Three studies with independent samples of participants were conducted. Study 1 examined young adults watching still cartoons. Study 2 examined young, middle-aged, and older adults watching a thematically ambiguous yet subtly amusing film clip. Study 3 examined middle-aged and older spouses discussing an area of marital conflict (that typically produces both positive and negative emotion). Aggregating data across studies, results showed that the short allele of 5-HTTLPR predicted heightened positive emotional expressions. Results remained stable when controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and depressive symptoms. These findings are consistent with the notion that the short allele of 5-HTTLPR functions as an emotion amplifier, which may confer heightened susceptibility to environmental conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of Associations Between Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers, Neurodegeneration, and Cognition in Cognitively Normal Older People

JAMA Neurology, 2013

IMPORTANCE Criteria for preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD) propose β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques to init... more IMPORTANCE Criteria for preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD) propose β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques to initiate neurodegeneration within AD-affected regions. However, some cognitively normal older individuals harbor neural injury similar to patients with AD, without concurrent Aβ burden. Such findings challenge the proposed sequence and suggest that Aβ-independent precursors underlie AD-typical neurodegenerative patterns. OBJECTIVE To examine relationships between Aβ and non-Aβ factors as well as neurodegeneration within AD regions in cognitively normal older adults. The study quantified neurodegenerative abnormalities using imaging biomarkers and examined cross-sectional relationships with Aβ deposition; white matter lesions (WMLs), a marker of cerebrovascular disease; and cognitive functions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional study in a community-based convenience sample of 72 cognitively normal older individuals (mean [SD] age, 74.9 [5.7] years; 48 women; mean [SD] 17.0 [1.9] years of education) of the Berkeley Aging Cohort. INTERVENTION Each individual underwent a standardized neuropsychological test session, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scanning.

Research paper thumbnail of Cortical thickness mediates the effect of  -amyloid on episodic memory

Neurology, 2014

Cortical thickness mediates the effect of b-amyloid on episodic memory ABSTRACT Objective: To inv... more Cortical thickness mediates the effect of b-amyloid on episodic memory ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the associations among b-amyloid (Ab), cortical thickness, and episodic memory in a cohort of cognitively normal to mildly impaired individuals at increased risk of vascular disease.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of the serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) on empathic and self-conscious emotional reactivity

Emotion, 2013

We examined the relationship between a functional polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene ... more We examined the relationship between a functional polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and individual differences in emotional reactivity in two laboratory studies. In Study 1, empathic responding and physiological reactivity to viewing films of others in distress were assessed in healthy adults in three age groups. In Study 2, emotional responding to watching oneself in an embarrassing situation was assessed in healthy adults and in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In Study 1, participants with two short alleles of 5-HTTLPR reported more personal distress and showed higher levels of physiological responses in response to the films than participants with long alleles. In Study 2, participants with two short alleles reported more anger and amusement and displayed more emotional expressive behaviors in response to the embarrassing situation than participants with long alleles. These two findings from diverse samples of participants converge to indicate that individuals who are homozygous for the short allele variant of 5-HTTLPR have greater levels of emotional reactivity in two quite different socially embedded contexts.

Research paper thumbnail of Developmental regulation across the life span: Toward a new synthesis

How can individuals regulate their own development to live happy, healthy, and productive lives? ... more How can individuals regulate their own development to live happy, healthy, and productive lives? Major theories of developmental regulation across the life span have been proposed (e.g., dual-process model of assimilation and accommodation; motivational theory of life-span development; model of selection, optimization, and compensation), but they have rarely been integrated. We provide an integration of key processes and predictions postulated by the 3 theories. Moreover, we present evidence from 2 ageheterogeneous, cross-sectional studies showing that the different processes of developmental regulation proposed by the different theories center around 3 key processes (i.e., goal engagement, goal disengagement, and metaregulation), which are positively associated with age and well-being. We conclude by proposing an agenda for future research.

Research paper thumbnail of The interplay of occupational motivation and well-being during the transition from university to work

Developmental Psychology, 2012

A successful entry into work is one of the key developmental tasks in young adulthood. The presen... more A successful entry into work is one of the key developmental tasks in young adulthood. The present 4-wave longitudinal study examined the interplay between occupational motivation (i.e., goal engagement and goal disengagement) and well-being (i.e., satisfaction with life, satisfaction with work, satisfaction with partnership, positive affect, depressive symptoms, autonomy, purpose in life, positive relations with others) during the transition from university to work. The sample consisted of 498 university graduates from 4 majors with favorable or unfavorable employment opportunities. Data were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. The results showed that increases in goal engagement were associated with increases in numerous aspects of well-being. Increases in goal disengagement were associated with decreases in numerous aspects of well-being. However, this dynamic was not without exception. Goal engagement at graduation was associated with a decrease in autonomy and, for individuals with unfavorable employment opportunities, an increase in depressive symptoms. Goal disengagement at graduation was associated with an increase in satisfaction with work. These findings elucidate why some individuals may opt for overall maladaptive motivational strategies during the transition into the workforce: They provide selective well-being benefits. In sum, how young adults deal with their occupational goals is closely linked to changes in their well-being.

Research paper thumbnail of Positive and negative affect as resource and information for goal-engagement and disengagement

Research paper thumbnail of Adaptive adjustment of vocational aspirations among German youths during the transition from school to work

Journal of Vocational Behavior, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Happiness as a Motivator: Positive Affect Predicts Primary Control Striving for Career and Educational Goals

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Goal Engagement During the School-Work Transition: Beneficial for All, Particularly for Girls

Journal of Research on Adolescence, 2008

The school-to-work transition presents a substantial regulatory challenge for youth in modern soc... more The school-to-work transition presents a substantial regulatory challenge for youth in modern societies. Based on the action-phase model of developmental regulation, we investigated the effects of goal engagement on transition outcomes in a high-density longitudinal study of noncollege-bound German adolescents (N 5 362). Career-related goal engagement was important for attaining a desired career goal (i.e., apprenticeship) for girls who generally faced unfavorable employment opportunities. For boys, goal engagement did not predict the attainment of an apprenticeship. Goal engagement was nonetheless beneficial for well-being, predicting positive affect for both girls and boys. This effect was not mediated by attainment of an apprenticeship. The findings elucidate the role of goal engagement under structural and temporal constraints and suggest possible avenues for intervention.

Research paper thumbnail of Early, on-time, and late behavioural autonomy in adolescence: Psychosocial correlates in young and middle adulthood

Journal of Adolescence, 2011

Adolescent development Young and middle adulthood Behavioural autonomy Developmental timing Early... more Adolescent development Young and middle adulthood Behavioural autonomy Developmental timing Early and late transitions a b s t r a c t Drawing on two nationally representative German studies (N 1 ¼ 1744, N 2 ¼ 759), we examined correlates of early, on-time, and late curfew autonomy, a retrospective indicator of behavioural autonomy, in young and middle adulthood (19-37 years of age). Adjustment in four domains was considered: educational attainment, externalizing problem behaviour, subjective well-being, and interpersonal relationships. The early group showed lower adjustment in multiple domains across young and middle adulthood. The late group reported a mixed pattern of adjustment at younger ages (lower externalizing problems, but lower positive affect, lower importance of peers, and lower likelihood to have a partner) and positive adjustment in all domains at older ages. Timing effects were controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and retrospective measures of early adversities, pubertal timing, disclosure to parents, and peer group affiliation in adolescence. Findings show that late behavioural autonomy in its correlates is not simply the opposite of early behavioural autonomy. Ó In many Western societies, adolescence is a period when individuals gain behavioural independence, establish more reciprocal relationships with parents, and develop their own system of values. These tasks have been referred to as the development of behavioural, emotional, and cognitive autonomy (e.g., . Drawing on the life course approach, which maintains that the timing of developmental transitions is important for psychosocial adjustment (e.g., , the present article focuses on the timing of behavioural autonomy and its correlates. Previous research has shown that premature behavioural autonomy is linked to unfavourable developmental outcomes. Although theory suggests that late timing may also be maladaptive, empirical research on late behavioural autonomy is missing. The present article addresses this research gap.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of positive affect on risk perceptions in adolescence and young adulthood

Journal of Adolescence, 2011

Affective influences may play a key role in adolescent risk taking, but have rarely been studied.... more Affective influences may play a key role in adolescent risk taking, but have rarely been studied. Using an audiovisual method of affect induction, two experimental studies examined the effect of positive affect on risk perceptions in adolescence and young adulthood. Outcomes were risk perceptions regarding drinking alcohol, smoking a cigarette, riding in a car with a drunk driver, getting into a fight, and having unprotected sexual intercourse. Study 1 showed that positive affect led to lower risk perceptions than neutral affect for young adults (mean age 23). Study 2 replicated the effect for early adolescents (mean age 13), mid-adolescents (mean age 17), and young adults (mean age 23). Moreover, Study 2 showed that the effect was most pronounced at high levels of impulsiveness. Adolescents and young adults may be more risk averse in contexts that do not give rise to emotions, but have markedly lower risk perceptions under positive affect. Ó

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment response in couple therapy: Relationship adjustment and individual functioning change processes.

Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Pinsof, W. M., & Haase, C. M. (in press). Treatment response in couple t... more Knobloch-Fedders, L. M., Pinsof, W. M., & Haase, C. M. (in press). Treatment response in couple therapy: Relationship adjustment and individual functioning change processes. Journal of Family Psychology.

Research paper thumbnail of Short alleles, bigger smiles? Effects of 5-HTTLPR on smiling and laughing behavior

Haase, C. M., Beermann, U., Saslow, L. R., Shiota, M. N., Whalen, P. K., Saturn, S. R., Lwi, S., ... more Haase, C. M., Beermann, U., Saslow, L. R., Shiota, M. N., Whalen, P. K., Saturn, S. R., Lwi, S., Keltner, D., & Levenson, R. W. (2015). Short alleles, bigger smiles? Effects of 5-HTTLPR on smiling and laughing behavior. Emotion.

Research paper thumbnail of Growing to trust: Evidence that trust increases and sustains well-being across the life span

Poulin, M. J., & Haase, C. M. (2015). Growing to trust: Evidence that trust increases and sustain... more Poulin, M. J., & Haase, C. M. (2015). Growing to trust: Evidence that trust increases and sustains well-being across the life span. Social Psychological and Personality Science.