Year: 2008
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study explored how personal strivings constructs of Goal Conflict and \nComplementarity and primary appraisal dimensions of Motivational Relevance \nand Congruence (separately and in combination), related across time to \nimmediate and long-term effects of a stressful transaction. The study was \nlocated within the transactional model of stress and integrated aspects of \nmotivational theory, focusing on the theoretical position that within the stressful \ntransaction the relationship between motivational factors and the individual \nresponse to an event is mediated by cognitive processes, including appraisal. \nAdvances in transactional theory highlight the role of motivational factors (such \nas personal strivings) as linked to primary appraisal in the form of Motivational \nRelevance and Congruence. The utility of personal strivings in exploring the role \nof motivational factors in the stress process were highlighted. Despite an \nincreasing theoretical focus on motivation and appraisal, research in the area is \nlimited. Data was collected for the study through the administration of \nquestionnaires to university students (N=152) prior to (time 1) and into (time 2) \nan examination period. The questionnaires used a range of self-report \nmeasures. Correlations, partial correlations and ANOVAs were used to analyze \nthe data. The findings indicated that Goal Complementarity and Conflict directly \ninfluenced primary appraisal processes but not affective and wellbeing outcomes. \nIt was proposed that primary appraisal processes were the conduit through which \nthe impact of Goal Complementarity and Conflict were expressed within the \nstressful transaction. The results also suggested the impact of anticipatory \nMotivational Relevance which seemed to imply a highly “loaded” event with \nnegative affective and long-term consequences into the event. Subjects entering \nthe event wit h an “optimistic” demeanour indicated by high anticipatory \nCongruence and positive affect had increased Congruence into the event with \nconsequent amplified positive emotions and dampened negative effects. \nSubjects with high anticipatory Relevance and low Congruence across the event \nhad relatively higher scores on negative outcomes. High anticipatory Relevance \nand Congruence was associated with negative immediate and long-term \noutcomes into the event. High Relevance Congruence was generally associated \nwith a strong emotional response, which also elicited strong positive emotion as \nthe event unfolded. Subjects with low Relevance did not seem to hold as strong \nan investment in the event and reported reduced emotions and symptomology. \nThese findings were discussed in relation to the stress, appraisal and motivation \nliterature and their limitations and implications were explored.
Author: Stacey Leibowitz-Levy
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2270275663