Abstract
Going beyond previous studies on satisfaction in pursuing approach versus avoidance goals, the current study is the first to examine individual satisfaction in pursuing approach and avoidance goals as determined by regulatory fit between type of goal and type of strategy. Specifically, the present study shows that people with approach goals have greater satisfaction when they use an approach strategy rather than an avoidance strategy. People with avoidance goals have greater satisfaction when they use an avoidance strategy rather than an approach strategy. In addition, we explored how individual differences in the Behavioral Activation System and the Behavioral Inhibition System influenced reactions to approach and avoidance goals and strategies.
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Notes
We included both within and between factors to strengthen the design and to acknowledge the importance of distinguishing within and between effects relative to dispositional tendencies (Gable et al. 2000). The within-subjects factor (two sequentially assigned strategies) decreased error variance due to potential confounds across individuals and also increased statistical power (Keppel 1991). We statistically controlled for the effect of being in the same dyad by using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analysis (Bryk and Raudenbush 1992).
Each participant was assigned to either the approach or avoidance goal condition and was asked to report their satisfaction using approach and avoidance strategies. Half of the participants used approach strategies for the first round then avoidance strategies for the second round; while the other half of the participants used avoidance strategies for the first round and approach strategies for the second round. Analyzing results from the first round assesses between-person regulatory fit effects. We thank the editor and anonymous reviewers for suggesting that we include this between-person test of regulatory fit.
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Acknowledgments
We thank R. DeShon, N. Schmitt, and J. Cesario for helpful comments on earlier stages of this research. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Guihyun Park, 90 Stamford Road, School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University.
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Park, G., Van Dyne, L. & Ilgen, D. Satisfaction pursuing approach and avoidance goals: Effects of regulatory fit and individual temperaments. Motiv Emot 37, 424–432 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-012-9324-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-012-9324-3