Abstract

Evaluative conditioning is an effect defined as the change in the evaluation of a stimulus thanks to previous repeated pairing with a stimulus of positive or negative valence. Recent studies have found that personality traits, such as Neuroticism, moderate this effect and that anxiety, one of its facets, is the main responsible. As well as trait anxiety, the study (N = 354) explores the effects due to anxiety-related goals, in line with a dynamic conception of personality. The results confirm the evaluative conditioning effect in the presence of contingency awareness, do not find a moderation effect of trait anxiety but instead highlight the effect of the «Avoid feeling uncomfortable» goal. The results are discussed in light of the literature and their implications also in relation to future developments.