Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
Published on: April 18, 2017
Mental contrasting and goal commitment: the mediating role of energization
Gabriele Oettingen1, Doris Mayer, A Timur Sevincer
1Psychology Department, New York University, New York, NY 10003 USA. gabriele.oettingen@nyu.edu
Abstract:
Mentally contrasting a desired future with present reality is a self-regulation strategy that leads to goal commitment in line with a person's expectations of success. One possible mediator variable of these effects is level of energization. In Study 1, energization assessed by physiological measures was found to mediate the effect of mental contrasting on goal commitment. In Study 2, feelings of energization, as assessed by self-report, mediated the effect of mental contrasting on goal commitment as gauged by performance on an acute stress paradigm (giving a talk in front of a camera). Results imply that when expectations of success are high, mental contrasting provides the level of energy needed to commit to realizing desired futures.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Motivational Cycle
The cycle begins with a need. This need can arise from various conditions, such as hunger, thirst, or temperature changes. For instance, when an individual feels cold, their body...
Drive-Reduction Theory: Push Theory of Motivation
Motivational Bias
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation
Power motivation is characterized by the desire to influence, control, or have an impact on others. It is shaped by an individual's experiences, social environment, and cultural context. People with high power motivation are...

