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Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
The influence of avoidance temperament and avoidance-based achievement goals on flow
Daniela Oertig1, Julia Schüler, Veronika Brandstätter
1University of Zurich.
Journal of Personality
|May 16, 2013
Summary
Individuals with high avoidance temperament experience more flow during creative tasks when they have performance-avoidance goals. This suggests a short-term benefit from matching avoidance motivation with specific achievement goals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Motivation
Background:
- Avoidance temperament, characterized by a tendency to evade threats or negative outcomes, is a key personality trait.
- Achievement goal theory outlines different motivations for engaging in tasks, including performance-avoidance goals.
- Flow state, a state of complete immersion in an activity, is crucial for creativity and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of avoidance temperament and avoidance-based achievement goals on the experience of flow.
- To determine if a match between dispositional avoidance and goal orientation influences flow during creative tasks.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted: one in a laboratory setting (N=101) and a naturalistic study (N=102).
- Participants' avoidance temperament was assessed, and achievement goals (including performance-avoidance) were induced.
- Flow experience was measured during a creativity task.
Main Results:
- Participants high in avoidance temperament reported greater flow when performance-avoidance goals were induced.
- No significant differences in flow were observed in other achievement goal conditions.
- A disposition-goal match based on avoidance motivation showed a short-term benefit for flow.
Conclusions:
- A congruence between high avoidance temperament and performance-avoidance goals can enhance flow experiences in the short term.
- Further research is needed on avoidance-based disposition-goal matches and their short-term versus long-term effects.
- Understanding these motivational dynamics is important for optimizing creative performance.
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