Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TMAM (Towards a Mechanistic Account of Maintenance Goals)
Período documentado: 2023-09-01 hasta 2025-08-31
The research proposal focuses on understanding maintenance motivation—a neglected area in psychological theory that holds substantial implications for individual and societal behavior. This project is set to fill a significant gap in the literature by establishing a theoretical and empirical basis for maintenance goals, distinguishing them from approach and avoidance goals which primarily emphasize achieving new gains or avoiding losses.
The primary objective of the project is to develop a mechanistic model of maintenance goals. This model will delineate how maintenance differs fundamentally from other types of goals by not stemming from a discrepancy between a current state and a desired state, but from the desire to preserve a current positive state. This distinction is crucial for understanding behaviors in various domains such as environmental sustainability, public health, and personal relationships.
The expected outcomes of this project are poised to revolutionize how we conceptualize goal-directed behavior in psychology and extend its applications into neighboring fields such as education, management, and cultural studies. By empirically validating the unique mechanisms of maintenance motivation, the project will offer new insights into how individuals and societies can more effectively sustain beneficial states and practices, rather than merely striving for new achievements or avoiding negatives.
The project’s methodology combines rigorous laboratory studies with real-life application through experience sampling methods (ESM), providing a robust testing ground for the proposed theoretical framework. This dual approach not only ensures scientific rigor but also enhances the ecological validity of the findings, making them highly relevant to everyday life scenarios.
In terms of impact, the project’s outcomes are expected to have significant theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, it extends our understanding of motivation by integrating maintenance as a fundamental aspect of goal-directed behavior. Practically, it has the potential to inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting sustained engagement in healthful, environmental, and social practices. For instance, understanding maintenance motivation can help in designing better public health campaigns that encourage long-term adherence to health behaviors, or in creating more effective strategies for environmental conservation that emphasize the ongoing care of natural resources rather than crisis responses.
Furthermore, by emphasizing the positive aspects of current states rather than the avoidance of negative outcomes, maintenance goals may enhance individuals' well-being and satisfaction, contributing to healthier, more sustainable societies. This approach aligns with European Union priorities on health, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion, offering a new perspective that could influence a range of policy areas.
Overall, the project sets the stage for a significant shift in how motivation is studied and applied in various disciplines, highlighting the importance of maintaining desirable states as a proactive and continuous effort rather than a reactive one. The insights from this research could lead to more sustainable practices across multiple domains, ultimately contributing to the well-being of individuals and societies on a global scale. This aligns with the broader goals of the European Union concerning sustainable development and social welfare, providing a robust theoretical and empirical foundation to support policy-making and intervention design in these critical areas.
The primary objective of the project is to develop a mechanistic model of maintenance goals. This model will delineate how maintenance differs fundamentally from other types of goals by not stemming from a discrepancy between a current state and a desired state, but from the desire to preserve a current positive state. This distinction is crucial for understanding behaviors in various domains such as environmental sustainability, public health, and personal relationships.
The expected outcomes of this project are poised to revolutionize how we conceptualize goal-directed behavior in psychology and extend its applications into neighboring fields such as education, management, and cultural studies. By empirically validating the unique mechanisms of maintenance motivation, the project will offer new insights into how individuals and societies can more effectively sustain beneficial states and practices, rather than merely striving for new achievements or avoiding negatives.
The project’s methodology combines rigorous laboratory studies with real-life application through experience sampling methods (ESM), providing a robust testing ground for the proposed theoretical framework. This dual approach not only ensures scientific rigor but also enhances the ecological validity of the findings, making them highly relevant to everyday life scenarios.
In terms of impact, the project’s outcomes are expected to have significant theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, it extends our understanding of motivation by integrating maintenance as a fundamental aspect of goal-directed behavior. Practically, it has the potential to inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting sustained engagement in healthful, environmental, and social practices. For instance, understanding maintenance motivation can help in designing better public health campaigns that encourage long-term adherence to health behaviors, or in creating more effective strategies for environmental conservation that emphasize the ongoing care of natural resources rather than crisis responses.
Furthermore, by emphasizing the positive aspects of current states rather than the avoidance of negative outcomes, maintenance goals may enhance individuals' well-being and satisfaction, contributing to healthier, more sustainable societies. This approach aligns with European Union priorities on health, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion, offering a new perspective that could influence a range of policy areas.
Overall, the project sets the stage for a significant shift in how motivation is studied and applied in various disciplines, highlighting the importance of maintaining desirable states as a proactive and continuous effort rather than a reactive one. The insights from this research could lead to more sustainable practices across multiple domains, ultimately contributing to the well-being of individuals and societies on a global scale. This aligns with the broader goals of the European Union concerning sustainable development and social welfare, providing a robust theoretical and empirical foundation to support policy-making and intervention design in these critical areas.
The project aimed to refine and empirically test a novel theoretical framework distinguishing maintenance goals from approach and avoidance goals at a mechanistic level. To achieve this, a comprehensive series of activities was carried out, culminating in significant scientific advancements.
Development of Theoretical Framework
The initial phase of the project was devoted to developing a robust theoretical framework to understand maintenance motivation. This involved extensive literature reviews and theoretical synthesis under the guidance of Prof. Agnes Moors. The framework proposes that maintenance goals operate uniquely compared to approach and avoidance goals, not driven by discrepancies but by a desire to sustain a valued state. The collaborative effort resulted in a theoretical paper that has been well-received and is under revision for resubmission to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Review.
Empirical Studies
The empirical component of the project was primarily focused on Study 2, which utilized Experience Sampling Methods (ESM) to capture real-time data on maintenance behaviors and their motivations. This study was extended to cover two separate two-week periods instead of the planned ten days to gather more comprehensive data. The change was based on early findings indicating the complexity of maintenance behaviors required a longer observation period to accurately capture the dynamics involved. Study 2 aimed to empirically validate the theoretical propositions by examining how individuals engage in maintenance activities in their daily lives and the psychological mechanisms driving these behaviors. The results provided robust support for the distinct nature of maintenance goals as reflected in distinct antecedents and their distinct effects on wellbeing.
Technical and Methodological Advancements
Significant methodological advancements were achieved through the implementation of ESM. This approach allowed for a nuanced capture of the temporal dynamics of goal pursuit, offering insights into how maintenance goals are pursued in naturalistic settings. The data collected has been instrumental in refining our understanding of maintenance motivation, providing empirical support for the theoretical distinctions posited.
Conclusion
The project has achieved its aim of establishing a new theoretical perspective on maintenance goals and providing empirical evidence to support this perspective. The outcomes not only enhance our understanding of motivational psychology but also lay a solid foundation for future studies to explore the practical applications of this knowledge in clinical, educational, and environmental settings. The completion of the theoretical paper and the empirical studies marks a significant milestone in the field of motivation research, promising to influence future studies and applications.
Development of Theoretical Framework
The initial phase of the project was devoted to developing a robust theoretical framework to understand maintenance motivation. This involved extensive literature reviews and theoretical synthesis under the guidance of Prof. Agnes Moors. The framework proposes that maintenance goals operate uniquely compared to approach and avoidance goals, not driven by discrepancies but by a desire to sustain a valued state. The collaborative effort resulted in a theoretical paper that has been well-received and is under revision for resubmission to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Review.
Empirical Studies
The empirical component of the project was primarily focused on Study 2, which utilized Experience Sampling Methods (ESM) to capture real-time data on maintenance behaviors and their motivations. This study was extended to cover two separate two-week periods instead of the planned ten days to gather more comprehensive data. The change was based on early findings indicating the complexity of maintenance behaviors required a longer observation period to accurately capture the dynamics involved. Study 2 aimed to empirically validate the theoretical propositions by examining how individuals engage in maintenance activities in their daily lives and the psychological mechanisms driving these behaviors. The results provided robust support for the distinct nature of maintenance goals as reflected in distinct antecedents and their distinct effects on wellbeing.
Technical and Methodological Advancements
Significant methodological advancements were achieved through the implementation of ESM. This approach allowed for a nuanced capture of the temporal dynamics of goal pursuit, offering insights into how maintenance goals are pursued in naturalistic settings. The data collected has been instrumental in refining our understanding of maintenance motivation, providing empirical support for the theoretical distinctions posited.
Conclusion
The project has achieved its aim of establishing a new theoretical perspective on maintenance goals and providing empirical evidence to support this perspective. The outcomes not only enhance our understanding of motivational psychology but also lay a solid foundation for future studies to explore the practical applications of this knowledge in clinical, educational, and environmental settings. The completion of the theoretical paper and the empirical studies marks a significant milestone in the field of motivation research, promising to influence future studies and applications.
Potential Impacts:
Scientific and Academic Influence: The project's findings are poised to influence ongoing and future research in psychology and related disciplines by providing a new lens through which to examine human motivation. This could lead to a broader reconsideration of how goals are conceptualized and studied in various psychological subfields.
Policy and Clinical Applications: Insights from the project have the potential to inform interventions aimed at promoting sustainable behaviors in environmental management and public health. For instance, understanding the mechanisms of maintenance motivation can enhance strategies for encouraging long-term adherence to health behaviors or environmental conservation practices.
Organizational and Educational Enhancements: The findings could be applied in organizational settings to improve employee engagement and satisfaction by fostering an environment that recognizes and supports maintenance activities.
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success:
Further Research: Continued empirical studies are needed to explore the applicability of the maintenance goal framework across different cultures and contexts. Such research could validate and refine the model further, ensuring its relevance and utility in diverse settings.
Demonstration Projects: Implementing demonstration projects in real-world settings, such as schools, workplaces, or communities, could help to illustrate the practical benefits of focusing on maintenance goals and provide evidence to support broader adoption.
Access to Markets and Finance: To translate these insights into practical applications, there is a need for strategic partnerships with stakeholders in health, education, and environmental sectors. Funding and investment will be crucial to support the development of interventions and technologies that leverage the understanding of maintenance motivation.
Conclusion:
The project stands at a pivotal juncture, with substantial theoretical and empirical foundations laid. The next steps will involve expanding the reach of this research through further studies, practical applications, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at harnessing the transformative potential of understanding maintenance goals for societal benefit.
Scientific and Academic Influence: The project's findings are poised to influence ongoing and future research in psychology and related disciplines by providing a new lens through which to examine human motivation. This could lead to a broader reconsideration of how goals are conceptualized and studied in various psychological subfields.
Policy and Clinical Applications: Insights from the project have the potential to inform interventions aimed at promoting sustainable behaviors in environmental management and public health. For instance, understanding the mechanisms of maintenance motivation can enhance strategies for encouraging long-term adherence to health behaviors or environmental conservation practices.
Organizational and Educational Enhancements: The findings could be applied in organizational settings to improve employee engagement and satisfaction by fostering an environment that recognizes and supports maintenance activities.
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success:
Further Research: Continued empirical studies are needed to explore the applicability of the maintenance goal framework across different cultures and contexts. Such research could validate and refine the model further, ensuring its relevance and utility in diverse settings.
Demonstration Projects: Implementing demonstration projects in real-world settings, such as schools, workplaces, or communities, could help to illustrate the practical benefits of focusing on maintenance goals and provide evidence to support broader adoption.
Access to Markets and Finance: To translate these insights into practical applications, there is a need for strategic partnerships with stakeholders in health, education, and environmental sectors. Funding and investment will be crucial to support the development of interventions and technologies that leverage the understanding of maintenance motivation.
Conclusion:
The project stands at a pivotal juncture, with substantial theoretical and empirical foundations laid. The next steps will involve expanding the reach of this research through further studies, practical applications, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at harnessing the transformative potential of understanding maintenance goals for societal benefit.