Models of attachment, confirmation of positive affective expectations, and satisfaction with vacation activities: A pre-post panel design study of leisure

Utilizing a pre-post panel design, we explored direct and mediated associations between models of adult attachment (positive Model of Self [PS] and positive Model of Other [PO]) on one hand, and negative mood during vacation and satisfaction with vacation leisure activities on the other. Our sample consisted of 112 community-based vacationers measured at entrance and checkout after spending a week at an all-inclusive vacation village. Higher PO ratings were related to lower negative mood during vacation, higher confirmation of positive affective expectations, and greater satisfaction with vacation leisure activities. The confirmation of positive affective expectations mediated the effect of PO on low negative mood during vacation. Participants with high PO felt they had fulfilled their positive affective expectations, which lowered their levels of negative mood during the vacation and promoted higher levels of satisfaction with various vacation leisure activities. The reported quasi-field study shows one way in which attachment theory contributes to the theoretical framework of positive psychology. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.