Research has shown that curiosity plays a crucial role in human performance and well-being. Based on multi-dimensional models of curiosity, we examined potential underlying mechanisms for this relationship. Extending prior research, we expected state and trait variants of curiosity to predict more challenge and less threat appraisals for novel tasks (i.e., joyous exploration dimension), stronger dissatisfaction when denied opportunities to do something interesting (i.e., deprivation sensitivity dimension), and persist longer under stress states (i.e., stress tolerance). We asked 123 participants to prepare and deliver a speech titled "Why are you a good friend?" After preparation, participants were informed that they were randomly selected not to perform the task. Throughout the experiment, we recorded heart rate reactivity as a physiological indicator of task engagement. We found that individuals curious about the upcoming task felt more challenged, less threatened, and presented longer physiological engagement than less curious individuals. Curious individuals expressed more disappointment about the missed opportunity to deliver the speech. In summary, this study revealed theoretically derived mechanisms that partially account for associations between curiosity and positive life outcomes while also indicating adverse effects.

研究表明，好奇心对人类表现和幸福感起着至关重要的作用。基于好奇心的多维模型，我们研究了这种关系的潜在潜在机制。扩展先前的研究，我们期望好奇心的状态和特质变体能够预测对新任务的更多挑战和更少的威胁评估（即快乐探索维度），当被剥夺做有趣事情的机会时更强烈的不满（即剥夺敏感性维度），并坚持下去在压力状态下更长时间（即压力耐受性）。我们要求 123 名参与者准备并发表题为“你为什么是好朋友？”的演讲。准备完毕后，参与者被告知他们是被随机选择不执行任务的。在整个实验过程中，我们记录了心率反应性作为任务参与度的生理指标。我们发现，与不太好奇的人相比，对即将到来的任务感到好奇的人感受到更多的挑战，更少的威胁，并且表现出更长的生理参与度。好奇的人们对错过发表演讲的机会表达了更多的失望。总之，这项研究揭示了理论上推导的机制，部分解释了好奇心与积极生活结果之间的关联，同时也表明了不利影响。