Too Much of a Good Thing? Trade-offs in Promotion and Prevention Focus

2012 ◽  
pp. 64-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail A. Scholer ◽  
E. Tory Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Regulatory Focus Theory ◽  
Prevention Focus ◽  
Motivational Systems ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Benefits And Costs

Different kinds of motivational orientations provide distinctive ways of perceiving the world, dealing with life's inevitable slings and arrows, regulating challenges and opportunities, and creating success. In this chapter, we explore these differences in the two motivational systems outlined in regulatory focus theory: the promotion and prevention systems (Higgins, 1997). In particular, we discuss these systems in terms of the trade-offs in each; what are the benefits and costs of a strong promotion focus? What are the advantages and drawbacks of a strong prevention focus? We explore the trade-offs of each system with regard to three significant aspects of self-regulation and motivation: emotional experiences, the balance between commitment versus exploration, and performance. We conclude by discussing the importance of constraints on these systems for effective self-regulation and by suggesting avenues for future research.

scholarly journals The influence of regulatory focus and self-discrepancy on cognition in younger and older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leann K. Lapp
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Regulatory Focus Theory ◽  
Prevention Focus ◽  
Motivated Cognition ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Motivational Systems ◽  
Cognitive Correlates ◽  
Self Discrepancy ◽  
Focus Theory

There exists substantial literature describing how the two motivational systems of promotion and prevention (Regulatory Focus Theory; Higgins, 1997) influence behaviour. However, the specific cognitive correlates of regulatory focus remain unclear. Furthermore, how regulatory focus may influence the course of cognitive aging is unknown. Experiment 1 compared healthy older and younger adults on Higgins' measure of self-discrepancy and explored relationships with cognition. Experiment 2 compared younger adults induced into either a promotion or prevention focus relative to a no-induction control condition on measures of cognition. The results from Experiment 1 revealed that while the magnitude of self-discrepancy remains constant across the lifespan, the evaluation and content of self goals changes with age. The results from Experiment 2 suggest that the effects of the regulatory focus induction are limited but specific to particular aspects of memory and perception. Overall, these findings may contribute to our understanding of aging and motivated cognition.

scholarly journals The influence of regulatory focus and self-discrepancy on cognition in younger and older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leann K. Lapp
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Regulatory Focus Theory ◽  
Prevention Focus ◽  
Motivated Cognition ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Motivational Systems ◽  
Cognitive Correlates ◽  
Self Discrepancy ◽  
Focus Theory

There exists substantial literature describing how the two motivational systems of promotion and prevention (Regulatory Focus Theory; Higgins, 1997) influence behaviour. However, the specific cognitive correlates of regulatory focus remain unclear. Furthermore, how regulatory focus may influence the course of cognitive aging is unknown. Experiment 1 compared healthy older and younger adults on Higgins' measure of self-discrepancy and explored relationships with cognition. Experiment 2 compared younger adults induced into either a promotion or prevention focus relative to a no-induction control condition on measures of cognition. The results from Experiment 1 revealed that while the magnitude of self-discrepancy remains constant across the lifespan, the evaluation and content of self goals changes with age. The results from Experiment 2 suggest that the effects of the regulatory focus induction are limited but specific to particular aspects of memory and perception. Overall, these findings may contribute to our understanding of aging and motivated cognition.

Regulatory Focus Theory and Research

2019 ◽  
pp. 46-66
Author(s):  
Abigail A. Scholer ◽  
James F. M. Cornwell ◽  
E. Tory Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Regulatory Fit ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Regulatory Focus Theory ◽  
Approach And Avoidance ◽  
Avoidance Motivation ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Focus Theory

This chapter explores the motivational dynamics of the promotion and prevention systems outlined in regulatory focus theory (Higgins, 1997). It includes a review of the core tenets of the theory—identifying and responding to important and frequently asked questions—in discussing significant research of the past two decades since the theory made its debut. In particular, the chapter includes a discussion of what defines each system, how regulatory focus orientations are commonly measured and manipulated, what differentiates promotion and prevention motivation from approach and avoidance motivation, what characterizes the trade-offs of each system, and newer developments in research on regulatory fit, group dynamics, and motivational flexibility. Throughout, avenues for future research are suggested.

Vigilant Self–Regulation, Cues of being Watched and Cooperativeness

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 363-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Keller ◽  
Stefan Pfattheicher
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Cooperative Behaviour ◽  
Regulatory Focus Theory ◽  
Prevention Focus ◽  
Potential Mediator ◽  
Behaviour Study ◽  
Conservation Organizations

The present research examined the interplay of individual differences in self–regulatory mechanisms as outlined in regulatory focus theory (promotion– and prevention–focus) and a cue of being watched in the context of cooperative behaviour. Study 1 revealed that the more individuals’ habitual self–regulatory orientation is dominated by a vigilant prevention focus, the more likely they are to act cooperatively (i.e. to donate money to natural conservation organizations) when a subtle cue of being watched renders reputational concerns salient. In contrast, when no such cue is provided individuals’ habitual vigilant self–regulatory orientation is negatively related to cooperative behaviour. Study 2 replicated the results of the initial study and examined interpersonal sensitivity (empathic concern) as a potential mediator of the observed effects. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Interest as the Missing Motivator in Self-Regulation

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Sansone ◽  
Dustin B. Thoman
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Goal Pursuit ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Goal Striving ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
And Performance

Abstract. Typically, models of self-regulation include motivation in terms of goals. Motivation is proposed to fluctuate according to how much individuals value goals and expect to attain them. Missing from these models is the motivation that arises from the process of goal-pursuit. We suggest that an important aspect of self-regulation is monitoring and regulating our motivation, not just our progress toward goals. Although we can regulate motivation by enhancing the value or expectancy of attaining the outcome, we suggest that regulating the interest experience can be just as, if not more, powerful. We first present our model, which integrates self-regulation of interest within the goal-striving process. We then briefly review existing evidence, distinguishing between two broad classes of potential interest-enhancing strategies: intrapersonal and interpersonal. For each class of strategies we note what is known about developmental and individual differences in whether and how these kinds of strategies are used. We also discuss implications, including the potential trade-offs between regulating interest and performance, and how recognizing the role of the interest experience may shed new light on earlier research in domains such as close relationships, psychiatric disorders, and females' choice to drop out of math and science.

The mediational effect of regulatory focus on the relationships between mindfulness and job satisfaction and turnover intentions

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 494-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha C. Andrews ◽  
K. Michele Kacmar ◽  
Charles Kacmar
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Prevention Focus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mindfulness as a predictor of the two components of regulatory focus theory (RFT): promotion and prevention focus. It further examines promotion focus and prevention focus as mediators of the mindfulness-job satisfaction and mindfulness-turnover intentions relationships. Finally, job satisfaction is also examined as a mediator of the mindfulness-turnover intentions relationship. Design/methodology/approach – The model was tested using data collected via a snowball approach. Online surveys were distributed to undergraduate students enrolled in a business course. Students were then given the opportunity to earn extra credit by sending the survey to potential respondents. The relationships were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings – Support was found for four of the six hypotheses. Prevention focus did not negatively mediate the relationship between mindfulness and job satisfaction as well as the relationship between mindfulness and turnover intentions. Research limitations/implications – One limitations of this research is the placement of mindfulness as an antecedent to promotion and prevention focus. Another plausible alternative is to consider mindfulness as a consequence. An additional limitation is the use of a snowball sampling technique. Future research should examine these findings using employees of a single organization. Originality/value – This research theoretically and empirically links RFT and mindfulness. This study also adds to the limited research empirically linking RFT and turnover intentions, both directly and indirectly via job satisfaction. Finally, this research extends previous research that established the positive relationship between mindfulness and job satisfaction by examining the mindfulness-job satisfaction-turnover intentions relationship.

The Self-Regulatory Focus as a Determinant of Perceived Richness of a Communication Medium

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicenc Fernandez ◽  
Xavier Armengol ◽  
Pep Simo
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
The Self ◽  
Communication Media ◽  
Regulatory Focus Theory ◽  
Communication Medium ◽  
Expansion Theory ◽  
Channel Expansion ◽  
Focus Theory

At present, a large number of theories exist which explain the process for choosing communication media in organizations. Channel expansion theory combines a large part of the theoretical foundation for these theories, suggesting that the perceived richness of a communication medium varies according to experience based on the knowledge of the organization’s members. Equally, Regulatory Focus Theory also suggests that individuals behave in a different way when their self regulation states are different. This investigation intends to present a set of proposals based on the existing literature about how strategy type /focus (promotion and prevention) affects the perception of the richness of a communication medium, increasing the explanatory capacity of channel expansion theory.

How and when team regulatory focus influences team innovation and member creativity

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ci-Rong Li ◽  
Chun-Xuan Li ◽  
Chen-Ju Lin
Keyword(s):  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Prevention Focus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Innovation ◽  
Indirect Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test how team regulatory focus may relate to individual creativity and team innovation; and address the fit/misfit issue of team regulatory focus and team bureaucracy. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected data from 377 members and their leaders within 56 R&D teams in two Taiwanese companies. Findings A team promotion focus was positively related, whereas a team prevention focus was negatively related, to both team innovation and member creativity through team perspective taking and employee information elaboration, respectively. Furthermore, team bureaucracy played a moderating role that suppressed the indirect relationship between team regulatory focus and creativity. Originality/value This is one of first studies to explore an underlying mechanism linking team regulatory focus and both team innovation and member creativity. The authors provide a more complete view of the creative and innovation implications of team-level self-regulation.

scholarly journals The impact of challenge-hindrance stressors on creativity: the mediating role of regulatory focus and the moderating role of proactive personality

2021 ◽  
Vol 245 ◽  
pp. 03031
Author(s):  
Yixin Yang ◽  
Mingjian Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Proactive Personality ◽  
Regulatory Focus Theory ◽  
Prevention Focus ◽  
Promotion Focus ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Focus Theory

Based on the challenge-hindrance stressors framework and regulatory focus theory, this study explored the mediating role of promotion focus between challenge stressors and employee creativity, and the mediating role of prevention focus between hindrance stressors and creativity. In addition, we further explored the moderating role of proactive personality in this model. In the end, we discuss implications and limitations of our argument for theory and practices.

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