APS

2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026

Challenge Accepted: Curiosity Leads the Way to Engagement

Barcelona, Spain · May 2026

Posters · Emotion & Motivation: What Drives the Self

  • Zhanna Mizgina
    Old Dominion University
  • Michelle Kelley
    Old Dominion University
  • Jeffrey Gabelmann
    Old Dominion University

Abstract

We tested two theoretical frameworks of curiosity in relation to stress, anxiety, and engagement among 256 students (144 males, Mage = 27.90). Results indicated that the indirect effect of perceived stress on engagement through anxiety was significantly positive at low levels of curiosity, but nonsignificant at medium and high levels.

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