Work

Moved by the Lightest Touch of Meaning: Even Minimal Significance Matters for Motivation From Childhood

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: = 604, children aged 4-9 years of age and 582 adults) show that no amount of significance is too small to matter, even for small actions from early in life. Children and adults strongly preferred artistic activities with minimal significance (i.e., where their work would be saved) over activities with no lasting existence. This preference held for both repetitive and one-time tasks and was specific to creating artwork, not just observing it. Anticipating even minimal significance motivated participants to engage in productive rather than effortless activities. When significance is absent, focusing on enjoying the process partially, but not fully, compensates for motivation. These findings illuminate the scope and sensitivity of significance, revealing it to be not a luxury concern but an essential, early-emerging motivational force in an increasingly fast-paced, transient world.

Source: Psychological Science

DOI: 10.1177/09567976261462874

Authors: Yilin Liu, Fan Yang

Institutions: The University of Texas at Dallas, University of Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Creativity in Education and Neuroscience

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

Funder: Cyrus Tang Foundation