Motivation and goal self-regulation

Healy, Laura Catherine (2015). Motivation and goal self-regulation. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The present thesis extends the goal striving literature by exploring personal and primed autonomous and controlled goal motivation in relation to goal-related outcomes (e.g. persistence, attainment, inter-goal relations), the responses to goal failure, and well- and ill-being. Aligned with the Self-Concordance (SC) Model (Sheldon & Elliot, 1999), the central hypothesis was that autonomous motives would be associated with more adaptive goal pursuit and higher well-being. We investigated this hypothesis within a sporting context.
In Chapter 2, we used ecologically valid video primes to manipulate goal motives. Extending the previous literature, we demonstrated that primed autonomous motives were associated with higher objectively assessed persistence towards an increasingly difficult goal than primed controlled motives. Chapter 3 showed that primed goal motives did not moderate the responses to goal failure. However we presented recommendations for how future research can investigate how individuals react to goal failure. Within Chapter 4, we blended the SC model with the Hierarchical Model of Motivation (Vallerand, 1997) to explain how coach behaviour can facilitate adaptive goal striving and well-being in team-sport athletes. Finally, Chapter 5 used a person-centred approach to examine autonomous and controlled goal motives when pursuing goals in multiple domains. The results suggested that higher autonomous motives are important for adaptive facilitation between goals.
The research presented within this thesis represents important conceptual advancements of the goal striving literature. Furthermore, we present important practical implications for those engaging in goal pursuit in sport. Overall, we demonstrate the importance of individuals striving for goals which are underpinning by autonomous goal motives.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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