Relational Mechanisms for Goal Pursuit
Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Gore, Jonathan S.; Hester, Raven; Spegal, Lauren; Kavanaugh, Kimberley; and Nakai, Yoshie, "Relational Mechanisms for Goal Pursuit" (2017). University Presentation Showcase Event. 14.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2017/faculty/14
Abstract
To demonstrate the influence of close relationships in the goal pursuit process, four studies tested a Relational Mechanism Model for Goal Pursuit, which proposed three mechanisms that yield relational motives for a goal. These motives in turn predict goal outcomes, but the association was expected to be stronger among women than among men. Study 1 (n = 116) tested the model in the context of a short-term, collaborative project between strangers, Study 2 (n = 186) examined parents being motivated by their children to be healthier, Study 3 (n = 124) examined nontraditional college students searching for careers, and Study 4 (n = 181) examined young adults’ progress toward a major self-improvement goal. Results showed support for the model in all four studies, with the exception that feeling accountable to others was not a consistent predictor of relational motives. Implications for Self-Determination Theory and Transactive Goal Dynamics Theory are discussed.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
146
Relational Mechanisms for Goal Pursuit
To demonstrate the influence of close relationships in the goal pursuit process, four studies tested a Relational Mechanism Model for Goal Pursuit, which proposed three mechanisms that yield relational motives for a goal. These motives in turn predict goal outcomes, but the association was expected to be stronger among women than among men. Study 1 (n = 116) tested the model in the context of a short-term, collaborative project between strangers, Study 2 (n = 186) examined parents being motivated by their children to be healthier, Study 3 (n = 124) examined nontraditional college students searching for careers, and Study 4 (n = 181) examined young adults’ progress toward a major self-improvement goal. Results showed support for the model in all four studies, with the exception that feeling accountable to others was not a consistent predictor of relational motives. Implications for Self-Determination Theory and Transactive Goal Dynamics Theory are discussed.
