The Life-Course Dynamics of Goal Pursuit and Goal Adjustment: A Two-Process Framework

May combine two claims.

For most goal dimensions assessed in the authors' research, a negative correlation emerged consistently between goal importance ratings and ratings of perceived distance from the goal; similar patterns were obtained for longitudinal change scores.

“For most of the goal dimensions assessed in our research, a negative correlation emerged consistently between goal importance ratings and ratings of perceived distance from the goal; similar patterns of covariation were obtained for longitudinal change scores.”

May combine two claims.

There are no clear-cut relations with the gender variable; gender differences are expressed less in Flexibility than in Tenacity, where men tend to score slightly higher than women.

“There are no clear-cut relations with the gender variable; overall, gender differences seem to be expressed less in Flexibility than in Tenacity where men tend to score slightly higher than women.”

May combine two claims.

In older samples, problems such as chronic pain, impairment, or illness generally predict depression and low life satisfaction; these relationships are mitigated in people scoring high on the FGA measure.

“In older samples, problems such as chronic pain, impairment, or illness generally predict depression and low life satisfaction; these relationships appear to be mitigated in people scoring high on the FGA measure (Brandtsta ¨dter et al., 1993; see also Schmitz, Saile, & Nilges, 1996).”

• cites Brandtsta ¨dter et al., 1993Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Schmitz, Saile, & Nilges, 1996Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Among ''flexible'' individuals, connotations of being old become more positive with advancing age, whereas the opposite pattern emerged among participants scoring low in FGA.

“The results indicated that among ''flexible'' individuals, connotations of being old become more positive with advancing age, whereas the opposite pattern emerged among participants scoring low in FGA.”

May combine two claims.

Content analyses revealed that participants who were more prone to express accommodative thoughts also reported greater satisfaction with their aging, had a more positive attitude toward their biography and found more continuity and meaning in their life.

“Beyond such qualitative impressions, content analyses revealed that participants who were more prone to express accommodative thoughts also reported greater satisfaction with their aging, had a more positive attitude toward their biography and found more continuity and meaning in their life (Brandtsta ¨dter, Rothermund, & Schmitz, 1997;Schmitz, 1998).”

• cites Brandtsta ¨dter, Rothermund, & Schmitz, 1997Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Schmitz, 1998Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Similar buffering effects have not been observed for the Tenacity scale, although Tenacity shows a similarly strong predictive relationship to indicators of well-being as the Flexibility measure.

“Noticeably, similar buffering effects have not been observed for the Tenacity scale, although this aspect of coping competence shows a similarly strong predictive relationship to indicators of well-being as the Flexibility measure.”

May combine two claims.

Participants scoring high in accommodative flexibility (FGA) showed enhanced access to the uplifting contents; this effect was particularly pronounced in the priming condition.

“As expected, participants scoring high in accommodative flexibility (FGA) showed enhanced access to the uplifting contents; this effect was particularly pronounced in the priming condition (see also Wentura, 1995).”

• cites Wentura, 1995Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The balance between assimilative and accommodative processes is affected by, and in turn affects, self-beliefs of efficacy and personal resources of control.

“As one may anticipate, the balance between assimilative and accommodative processes is affected by, and in turn affects, self-beliefs of efficacy and personal resources of control.”

May combine two claims.

Optimal development and successful aging cannot be explicated exclusively in terms of efficient goal pursuit and avoidance of loss; they also require considering how persons respond to divergences between desired developmental outcomes and the factual life course.

“Rather, a comprehensive notion of optimal development and successful aging also needs to consider the ways in which persons respond to, and come to terms with, divergences between desired developmental outcomes and the factual trajectory of their life course.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Wisdom implies an integration of technical knowledge concerning efficient pursuit of personal goals with experience-based sensitivity about which goals are feasible and worth pursuing and which should be given up.

“Wisdom seems to imply an integration of technical knowledge concerning the efficient pursuit of personal goals with an experience-based sensitivity as to which goals are feasible and worth pursuing and which should be given up for the sake of other, more valuable ones (cf.Nozick, 1989;Staudinger, Smith, & Baltes, 1992;Sternberg, 1990).”

• cites Nozick, 1989Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Staudinger, Smith, & Baltes, 1992Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Sternberg, 1990Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

At any point in the life course, and particularly in later life, well-being and self-esteem depend not only on perceived control over future developmental outcomes but also on readiness to accept one's past and to disengage without regret from counterfactual life paths.

“At any point in the life course-but perhaps particularly in later life-well-being and self-esteem depend not only on perceived control over future developmental outcomes but also on the readiness to accept one's past (which is unalterable) and to disengage without regret from counterfactual life paths that were desired but have never been accomplished (see also Dittmann-Kohli, 1990;Lecci, Okun, &”

• cites Dittmann-Kohli, 1990Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Lecci, Okun, & Karoly, 1994Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Adaptive flexibility requires not only readiness to switch means but also capability to disengage from blocked goals and barren commitments and to break up constrained frames of rationality.

“Rather, it also requires a capability of disengaging from blocked goals and barren commitments and of breaking up frames of rationality that gradually tend to become constrained and selective during the course of executing a plan (see also Bratman, 1987).”

• cites Bratman, 1987Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Critical life events typically involve a plurality of adaptive tasks that may call to various degrees for assimilative persistence or accommodative flexibility.

“Critical life events typically involve a plurality of adaptive tasks that may call to various degrees for assimilative persistence or accommodative flexibility.”

May combine two claims.

Assimilative activities involve intentional agency and are integral to lifelong intentional self-development; all goal-directed activity involves a tendency to assimilate actual life circumstances to normative self-representations and desired life-course projections.

“Assimilative activities involve intentional agency and are integral to the lifelong process of intentional self-development; all goal-directed activity involves a tendency to assimilate actual life circumstances to normative self-representations and projections of a desired life course (see also Brandtsta ¨dter & Lerner, 1999).”

• cites Brandtsta ¨dter & Lerner, 1999Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Both assimilative and accommodative processes are activated by perceived or anticipated goal discrepancies, and both tend to reduce such discrepancies.

“Both processes are activated by perceived or anticipated goal discrepancies, or by divergences of the factual course of personal development from the intended one; both tend to reduce such discrepancies.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In the assimilative mode, the person tries to reduce discrepancies through active, corrective interventions, including purposeful modification of life circumstances and intentional modification of behavior.

“In the assimilative mode, as already intimated, the person tries to reduce discrepancies through active, corrective interventions; this may take the form, for example, of a purposeful modification of life circumstances and may also involve intentional modifications of one's own behavior.”

May combine two claims.

People cannot disengage from blocked goals through a deliberate decision, nor adopt beliefs or valuations that would support such disengagement through an intentional act.

“As already intimated in the introduction, we cannot disengage from blocked goals through a deliberate decision, nor can we adopt beliefs or valuations that would support such disengagement through an intentional act (see also Gilbert, 1993;Lazarus, 1985;Williams, 1973).”

• cites Gilbert, 1993Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Lazarus, 1985Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Williams, 1973Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

In early adulthood, assimilative activities aim at expansion of action resources and implementation of future-oriented projects; in later life they become oriented increasingly toward maintenance goals.

“Whereas in early adulthood, assimilative activities aim at expansion of action resources and implementation of future-oriented projects, they become oriented increasingly toward maintenance goals in later life (see also Cross & Markus, 1991;Nurmi, Pulliainen, & Salmela-Aro, 1992;Ogilvie & Rose, 1995).”

• cites Cross & Markus, 1991Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Nurmi, Pulliainen, & Salmela-Aro, 1992Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Ogilvie & Rose, 1995Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Assimilative and accommodative processes, although antagonistically related, may operate synergistically and complement each other in concrete episodes of coping.

“It should also be noted at this juncture that assimilative and accommodative processes, albeit antagonistically related, may operate synergistically and complement each other in concrete episodes of coping.”

May combine two claims.

Typical outcomes of accommodative processes include rescaling aspirations, dissolving barren attachments, and channeling assimilative energies toward new, feasible goals.

“Typical outcomes of accommodative processes include the rescaling of aspirations, the dissolving of barren attachments, and the channeling of assimilative energies toward new, feasible goals.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Accommodative processes deconstrue the hedonic differential between the goal and the actual situation that maintains assimilative effort, and reset the cognitive system so that deconstrual-promoting cognitions become more available.

“First, they deconstrue the hedonic differential between the goal and the actual situation that maintains assimilative effort; second and related to this point, they reset the cognitive system so that beliefs or cognitions that promote this deconstrual become more available.”

May combine two claims.

Accommodative processes are inhibited by, and tend to inhibit, assimilative activities; as long as a person sees chances to attain a goal, the tendency to disengage from it should be low.

“Accommodative processes are inhibited by, and tend to inhibit, assimilative activities; as long as the person sees chances to attain a goal, the tendency to disengage from the goal should be low.”

May combine two claims.

When important goals are at stake, unstable action orientations are experienced as stressful and seem to involve an increase in neuroendocrinological stress parameters such as plasma cortisol levels.

“When important goals are at stake, such unstable action orientations are experienced as stressful and also seem to involve an increase in neuroendocrinological parameters of stress such as plasma cortisol levels (e.g., Bak & Brandtsta ¨dter 1998; see also Gunnar, 1987;Rose, 1984).”

• cites Bak & Brandtsta ¨dter 1998Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Gunnar, 1987 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Rose, 1984Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Accommodative processes cannot be originated intentionally, but they shape the selection of goals and are basic to action regulation and to the allocation of assimilative efforts.

“Accommodative processes, in contrast, cannot be originated intentionally, but shape the selection of goals and thus are basic to the regulation of action as well as to the allocation of assimilative efforts.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

According to control-theoretical formulations, when goals to which a person is strongly committed become unfeasible, hopelessness and depression are precipitated.

“When goals to which the person is strongly committed become unfeasible, a situation arises that, according to control-theoretical formulations, precipitates hopelessness and depression (e.g., Abramson, Alloy, & Metalsky, 1990;Abramson, Metalsky, & Alloy, 1989).”

• cites Abramson, Alloy, & Metalsky, 1990Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Abramson, Metalsky, & Alloy, 1989 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Action regulation in the pursuit of goals faces a stability-flexibility dilemma: it must be stable and closed enough to stay focused and resist distraction, yet open and flexible enough to adjust plans and priorities to new circumstances.

“Action regulation in the pursuit of goals and plans faces a basic dilemma: It must be sufficiently stable and closed to stay focused on the goal and resist distractive influences; at the same time, it has to be open and flexible enough so that plans and priorities can be adjusted to new and unexpected circumstances.”

• cites Bak & Brandtsta ¨dter, 1998Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Grossberg, 1987 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Even the most abstract goals must be pursued in concrete ways, which imposes temporal limitations: the longer a person has followed a particular career, the less available alternative ways to reach occupational success often become.

“Even the most abstract goals, however, have to be pursued in concrete ways, and this may impose temporal limitations: The longer a person has followed a particular career, the less available alternative ways to reach occupational success often become (Brandtsta ¨dter, in press-b).”

• cites Brandtsta ¨dter, in press-bNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Although accommodation of goals and ambitions is driven by the erosion of goal-linked attainability beliefs, this does not imply that accommodation negatively affects the individual's global sense of control and efficacy.

“Although accommodation of goals and ambitions is driven by the erosion of goal-linked beliefs of attainability, this does not imply that the accommodation process would negatively affect the individual's global sense of control and efficacy.”

May combine two claims.

Strong self-percepts of efficacy tend to impede or delay a shift toward accommodative modes, which may disadvantage the individual facing irreversible losses or intractable problems; delayed accommodation may increase the intensity and duration of depressive reactions.

“By the same token, however, strong self-percepts of efficacy tend to impede or delay a shift toward accommodative modes, which may put the individual at a disadvantage facing irreversible losses or intractable problems; the delayed engagement of accommodative mechanisms may even increase the intensity and duration of depressive reactions.”

May combine two claims.

The higher the personal importance of a goal and the stronger the attainability beliefs, the longer the individual will persist in the assimilative mode, and to the same degree accommodative tendencies will be inhibited.

“The higher the personal importance of a goal and the stronger the attainability beliefs, the longer the individual will persist in the assimilative mode; to the same degree, accommodative tendencies will be inhibited.”

May combine two claims.

In the assimilative mode, the valence of a goal may be increased reactantly when obstacles render goal attainment more difficult; when attainability beliefs become eroded, accommodation tends to reduce subjective goal importance.

“In the assimilative mode, the valence of a goal may be increased reactantly when obstacles render goal attainment more difficult (see also Wright & Brehm, 1989); when attainability beliefs become eroded, accommodation tends to reduce subjective goal importance.”

• cites Wright & Brehm, 1989Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Beliefs about the attainability of a goal depend on contextual contingencies and on generalized self-percepts of control over personal development, which are influenced by cultural and historical beliefs about the malleability and plasticity of human development.

“Beliefs about the attainability of a goal depend on contextual contingencies as well as on generalized self-percepts of control over personal development, which in turn are influenced by beliefs concerning the malleability and plasticity of human development in general that prevail in a given cultural and historical context (e.g., Lerner, 1984;Lerner & Walls, 1999).”

• cites Lerner, 1984Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Lerner & Walls, 1999Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

In the accommodative process, associative links between the goal and positive meanings are inhibited, whereas cognitions that support a positive reappraisal of the actual situation are enhanced.

“In the accommodative process, these associative links are inhibited, whereas cognitions that support a positive reappraisal of the actual situation are enhanced.”

May combine two claims.

The availability of uplifting cognitions is enhanced by the accommodative process itself, but also depends on the extent to which the person has access to systems of knowledge or meaning that support palliative reappraisals.

“The availability of such uplifting cognitions is enhanced by the accommodative process itself, but also depends differentially on the extent to which the person, within particular social-historical contexts and cognitive milieus, has access to systems of knowledge or meaning that support palliative reappraisals.”

May combine two claims.

Accessibility of downward comparisons may enhance accommodative reappraisals, whereas self-attributions of personal responsibility for losses or failures may induce counterfactual rumination that impedes accommodative adjustment of preferences.

“Accessibility of downward comparisons (Wills, 1991) may likewise enhance accommodative reappraisals, whereas self-attributions of personal responsibility for losses or failures may induce counterfactual rumination (''If only I had . ..'') that impede an accommodative adjustment of preferences (Brandtsta ¨dter et al., 1999; see also Kahnemann & Miller, 1986;Miller & Turnbull, 1990;Roese, Hur, & Pen”

• cites Wills, 1991Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Brandtsta ¨dter et al., 1999Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Kahnemann & Miller, 1986Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Control and helplessness approaches emphasize perceived loss of control over personally valued goals and life domains as a risk factor for depression, and they specify attributional styles that dispose people to perceive problems and losses as stable and intractable.

“These approaches emphasize in particular the perceived loss of control over personally valued goals and life domains as a risk factor or depression, and they have spelled out attributional styles that dispose people to perceive problems and losses as stable and intractable (e.g., Abramson et al., 1989;Abramson & Martin, 1981;Seligman, 1975).”

• cites Abramson et al., 1989 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Abramson & Martin, 1981Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Seligman, 1975Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

The present perspective suggests two broad risk factors for depression: beyond loss of control over personally important goals, the inability to dissolve barren commitments is a key factor affecting the strength and duration of depressive episodes.

“More specifically, it suggests that there are two broad risk factors for depression: Beyond the loss of control over personally important goals, the inability to dissolve barren commitments appears to be a key factor that affects the strength and duration of depressive episodes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

In the accommodative mode, the cognitive set is neutralized or inverted; the accommodative process engages mechanisms that deconstrue barren commitments, enhance positive reappraisal of the actual situation, and redeploy attention and action resources toward new goals.

“In the accommodative mode, this cognitive set is neutralized or inverted; the accommodative process engages mechanisms that deconstrue barren commitments, enhance a positive reappraisal of the actual situation, and redeploy attention and action resources toward new goals.”

May combine two claims.

These representations regulate the course of action and shield it against distractive influences and competing action tendencies during goal implementation.

“These representations regulate the course of action and shield it against distractive influences and competing action tendencies in the phase of goal implementation (e.g., Gollwitzer & Moskowitz, 1996).”

• cites Gollwitzer & Moskowitz, 1996Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Accommodative processes gain dominance when assimilative efforts remain ineffective; they help recalibrate preferences to the feasible range and avoid dysfunctional persistence in barren projects.

“Accommodative processes, on the other hand, gain dominance when assimilative efforts remain ineffective; they help to recalibrate preferences to the feasible range and to avoid dysfunctional persistence in barren projects.”

May combine two claims.

Assimilative efforts involve the contrast of a bad present with an attainable positive future and may be enhanced by motivating upward comparisons.

“Assimilative efforts, on the other side, involve the contrast of a bad present with an attainable positive future and may be enhanced by motivating upward comparisons (see also Carver & Scheier, 1998;Collins, 1996;Wood, 1996;Wrosch & Heckhausen, 1996).”

• cites Carver & Scheier, 1998Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Collins, 1996 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Wood, 1996 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

In the assimilative phase, attentional resources are allocated to efficient goal pursuit and obstacle removal, while cognitions that would undermine the focal goal's attractiveness or commitment remain inhibited.

“In the assimilative phase, attentional resources are allocated to the efficient pursuit of goals and the removal of obstacles that may hinder goal attainment; cognitions that would undermine the attractiveness of, and commitment to, the focal goal remain inhibited.”

May combine two claims.

Assimilative efforts will have beneficial effects as long as goals are commensurate with action resources; in cases of mismatch, the intentional focus of assimilation may shift toward expanding action resources and acquiring skills and knowledge relevant to efficient goal pursuit.

“Assimilative efforts will have beneficial effects as long as goals are commensurate with action resources; in cases of mismatch, the intentional focus of assimilation may shift toward expanding action resources and acquiring skills and knowledge that may be relevant to efficient goal pursuit.”

May combine two claims.

The durability bias reflects not only the assimilative cognitive set but also accommodative processes that reduce the valence of the missed goal and neutralize feelings of frustration and distress.

“The present theoretical approach suggests, however, that the latter type of bias reflects not only the particular cognitive set that characterizes the assimilative mode but likewise the effects of accommodative processes that reduce the valence of the missed goal and thereby neutralize feelings of frustration and distress.”

May combine two claims.

Goals that are highly important and for which no equivalent substitute is accessible may persist in binding attention and cause ruminative thought.

“Goals that are highly important, and for which no equivalent substitute is accessible, may persist in binding attention and cause ruminative thought (e.g., Martin & Tesser, 1989).”

• cites Martin & Tesser, 1989Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

As long as assimilative tendencies dominate, rumination should be geared toward finding new means for achieving the blocked goal; accommodative rumination should support goal abandonment by increasing the availability of cognitive content that undermines the blocked goal's attractiveness and enhances positive reappraisal.

“As long as assimilative tendencies dominate, rumination should be geared toward finding new means for achieving the blocked goal; accommodative rumination, on the other hand, should support goal abandonment through increasing the availability of cognitive content that undermines the attractiveness of the blocked goal and enhances a positive reappraisal of the situation.”

May combine two claims.

In the assimilative mode, the cognitive system is tuned toward implementation of a dominant goal and toward specification of situational and procedural conditions relevant for goal attainment.

“In the assimilative mode, the cognitive system is tuned toward the implementation of a dominant goal and toward the specification of situational and procedural conditions that are relevant for goal attainment.”

May combine two claims.

Obstacles that arise during goal pursuit initially induce an increase in shielding and focusing tendencies, a mobilization of effort, and a reactant increase in the attractiveness of the goal that compensates for increased implementation costs.

“Obstacles that arise during goal pursuit initially induce an increase in these shielding and focusing tendencies, a mobilization of effort, as well as a reactant increase in the attractiveness of the goal that compensates for increased costs of implementation (see also Wright & Brehm, 1989).”

• cites Wright & Brehm, 1989Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

In the assimilative mode, the cognitive system is relatively closed to stimuli or information that would conflict with or distract from the chosen action path, but open to cognitive content that supports persistence and continuity of goal pursuit.

“In the assimilative mode, the cognitive system is thus relatively closed with respect to stimuli or information that would conflict with, or distract from, the chosen path of action; it is open, however, to cognitive content that supports persistence and continuity of goal”

May combine two claims.

The dual-process model does not suggest a general preference for palliative downward comparisons, but considers them as part of a syndrome of accommodation.

“The dual-process model, however, does not suggest a general preference for palliative downward comparisons, but considers them as part of a syndrome of accommodation.”

May combine two claims.

Overestimating the difficulty of goals or underestimating one's capacity to reach them may have limiting consequences for personal development; enduring commitment to unfeasible goals may result in wasting resources and being caught in barren life paths.

“Overestimating the difficulty of goals or underestimating one's capacity to reach given goals may have limiting consequences for personal development; enduring commitment to unfeasible goals, however, may result in wasting resources and in being caught in barren life paths.”

May combine two claims.

With the shift toward accommodative modes, a convergent, focalized processing style is superseded by a defocused, holistic mode of processing, and attention broadens so the system becomes responsive to previously warded-off stimuli.

“with the shift toward accommodative modes, a convergent, focalized processing style is superseded by a defocused, holistic mode of processing, and the field of attention is broadened so that the system becomes responsive again to stimuli that had been warded off as distractors during goal pursuit.”

May combine two claims.

On higher levels of processing, accommodation involves increased availability of cognitions that deconstrue positive goal valences and enhance positive reappraisal of the situation.

“On higher levels of processing, accommodation involves an increased availability of cognitions that deconstrue positive goal valences and enhance a positive reappraisal of the given situation”

May combine two claims.

There are strong indications that the shift from assimilative to accommodative modes involves a fundamental change in cognitive set, tipping the balance from top-down to bottom-up influences toward greater responsiveness to novel external stimuli and a more open, holistic mode of processing.

“Hence, there are strong indications that the shift from assimilative to accommodative modes involves a fundamental change in cognitive set during which the balance between top-down and bottom-up influences tips toward a greater responsiveness to novel external stimuli and a more open, holistic mode of processing.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The Goal-Network Theory suggests that accessibility of alternative goals should reduce commitment to the focal goal by competing with it for limited attentional resources.

“The GNT suggests that accessibility of alternative goals should reduce commitment to the focal goal by competing with it for limited attentional resources (Shah & Kruglanski, in press).”

• cites Shah & Kruglanski, in pressNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Experimental evidence suggests that blunting of aversive uncontrollable stimuli operates on early levels of processing; e.g., threshold for cues preceding painful stimulation is elevated when no avoidance or escape is possible.

“Experimental evidence suggests that the blunting of aversive uncontrollable stimuli operates already on early levels of processing; for example, the threshold for cues preceding painful stimulation seems elevated when there are no possibilities of avoidance or escape (e.g., Reece, 1954).”

• cites Reece, 1954 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Accommodative flexibility should enhance this deconstrual process and thus shield self-esteem and well-being from experiences of loss and impairment.

“Accommodative flexibility should enhance this deconstrual process and thus shield self-esteem and well-being from experiences of loss and impairment.”

May combine two claims.

Upward links lend meaning and valence to the goal, but create frustration and depression when goals to which the person is strongly committed have not been achieved or have become unfeasible.

“The upward links lend meaning and valence to the goal, but create frustration and depression when goals to which the person is strongly committed have not been achieved or have become unfeasible.”

May combine two claims.

These scales tap different aspects of coping competence that contribute independently to individual differences in well-being and subjective life quality.

“These scales tap different aspects of coping competence that contribute independently to individual differences in well-being and subjective life quality (see also Becker, 1995), which is consistent with the presumed adaptive function of assimilative and accommodative processes.”

• cites Becker, 1995Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Where no such connections are found, accommodative processes are engaged that deconstrue the upward links, so that failures and setbacks in particular goal domains have a less strong and lasting negative impact on well-being and satisfaction.

“Where no such connections are found, accommodative processes are engaged that deconstrue the upward links, so that failures and setbacks in particular goal domains have a less strong and lasting negative impact on well-being and satisfaction.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Our research with elderly people uses two scales to assess dispositional differences: Tenacious Goal Pursuit (TGP) as a measure of assimilative persistence and Flexible Goal Adjustment (FGA) as a measure of accommodative flexibility.

“Our research with elderly people uses two scales to assess such differences: Tenacious Goal Pursuit (TGP) as a measure of assimilative persistence and Flexible Goal Adjustment (FGA) as a measure of accommodative flexibility (Brandtsta ¨dter & Renner, 1990).”

• cites Brandtsta ¨dter & Renner, 1990Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: There are dispositional trait-like differences in the readiness or capacity to employ assimilative or accommodative modes of coping.

May combine two claims.

Goals that are central to the person's life design may resist accommodation; in such cases, the accommodation process may involve criteria of goal fulfillment or implementation rather than the goal itself.

“As intimated above, goals that are central to the person's life design may resist accommodation; in such cases, the accommodation process may involve criteria of goal fulfillment or implementation rather than the goal itself-in a way that integrates continuity and flexibility, as it were.”

May combine two claims.

Compensatory tendencies should be expressed most strongly when losses become perceptible but still appear amenable to preventive or corrective intervention, and should decrease when compensatory activities reach a zone of diminishing returns; the balance may tip toward an accommodation of goals.

“The dual-process model thus suggests that compensatory tendencies should be expressed most strongly when losses become perceptible but still appear amenable to preventive or corrective intervention, but that they should decrease when compensatory activities reach a zone of diminishing returns; to the same degree, the balance may tip toward an accommodation of goals.”

May combine two claims.

The dual-process model proposes that tendencies of benefit finding are suppressed in the assimilative mode (or stay focused on presumable future benefits of pursued goals), whereas there should be an increased availability of uplifting thoughts and palliative reappraisals in the accommodative mode.

“The dualprocess model thus proposes that tendencies of benefit finding are suppressed in the assimilative mode (or stay focused on presumable future benefits of pursued goals), whereas there should be an increased availability of uplifting thoughts and palliative reappraisals in the accommodative mode.”

• AssumptionThe authors state this as an assumption: If active, instrumental strategies fail to solve the problem, the cognitive system tends to produce mental transformations of bads into boons.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The human mind is geared toward transforming bads into boons.

May combine two claims.

The buffering or dissociation effects described above are due in part to the deconstrual of positive meanings of blocked goals and to an increased availability of palliative cognitive content that mediates a positive reappraisal of the given, initially aversive, situation.

“Accommodation theory suggests that the buffering or dissociation effects described above are due in part to the deconstrual of positive meanings of blocked goals as well as to an increased availability of palliative cognitive content that mediates a positive reappraisal of the given, initially aversive, situation.”

• AssumptionThe authors state this as an assumption: If active, instrumental strategies fail to solve the problem, the cognitive system tends to produce mental transformations of bads into boons.

May combine two claims.

Finding positive meaning in an aversive situation tends to inhibit active problem-solving efforts and thus appears maladaptive as long as there is a realistic chance of changing the situation.

“Finding positive meaning in an aversive situation tends to inhibit active problem-solving efforts and thus appears maladaptive as long as there is a realistic chance of changing the situation.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The human mind is geared toward transforming bads into boons.

May combine two claims.

Recognizing that valued goals can no longer be achieved is a typical and stressful experience in later life; the shrinking of temporal reserves in later life places strong pressure on accommodative readjustments in goals and priorities.

“As already intimated above, recognizing that valued goals can no longer be achieved is a typical and stressful experience in later life; the shrinking of temporal reserves in later life thus places a strong pressure on accommodative readjustments in goals and priorities.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

The current emphasis on active-offensive strategies of coping and life management that pervades notions of optimal development and successful aging has clouded to some extent the benefits of accommodative processes that help the person to cope with irreversible losses and constraints and to come to terms with developmental outcomes that diverge from personal goals and ambitions.

“Considering the dialectics of assimilative and accommodative processes over the life span, the current emphasis on active-offensive strategies of coping and life management that pervades notions of optimal development and successful aging has clouded to some extent the benefits of accommodative processes that help the person to cope with irreversible losses and constraints and to come to terms”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Personal goals and projects are defined within a system of constraints and resources that change on ontogenetic age-graded and historical dimensions of time and have to be continuously adjusted to such changes.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Over their life course, people construe, and strive to implement, normative projections of themselves and their future.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The dual-process theoretical perspectives gain particular importance in developmental settings of modernity, which are characterized by accelerated change and a necessity to adjust life policies to rapidly changing role structures and task environments.

“It appears that these theoretical perspectives gain particular importance in developmental settings of modernity, which are characterized by accelerated change and a necessity to adjust life policies to rapidly changing role structures and task environments.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The analgetic effect appears to be mediated by endogenous opiates.

“This analgetic effect appears to be mediated by endogenous opiates; it disappears after injection of opiate antagonists such as naloxon(Maier, Sherman, Lewis, Terman, & Liebeskind, 1983).”

• cites Maier, Sherman, Lewis, Terman, & Liebeskind, 1983Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

From a biological point of view, it seems plausible that evolution has shielded particular ''system goals'' or strivings from being easily relinquished.

“We have already mentioned that goals which are central to the person's construal of identity and formulated at more abstract levels are more resistant to accommodation; from a biological point of view, it also seems plausible that evolution has shielded particular ''system goals'' or strivings from being easily relinquished.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Personal goals and projects are defined within a system of constraints and resources that change on ontogenetic age-graded and historical dimensions of time and have to be continuously adjusted to such changes.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

This may apply, for example, to goals related to the maintenance of health, intimacy, personal security, and other types of ''satisfaction'' goals that are basic to life and self-preservation.

“This may apply, for example, to goals related to the maintenance of health, intimacy, personal security, and other types of ''satisfaction'' goals (Schank & Abelson, 1977) that are basic to life and self-preservation.”

• cites Schank & Abelson, 1977Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Personal goals and projects are defined within a system of constraints and resources that change on ontogenetic age-graded and historical dimensions of time and have to be continuously adjusted to such changes.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

John Dewey (1934) already used the term 'accommodation' to refer to the adjustment of goals to constraints, which comes close to the authors' terminology.

“It is worth noting at this point that JohnDewey (1934) already used the term ''accommodation'' to refer to the adjustment of goals to constraints, which comes close to our terminology.”

• cites Dewey, 1934Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The analgetic effect disappears after injection of opiate antagonists such as naloxon.

“This analgetic effect appears to be mediated by endogenous opiates; it disappears after injection of opiate antagonists such as naloxon(Maier, Sherman, Lewis, Terman, & Liebeskind, 1983).”

• cites Maier, Sherman, Lewis, Terman, & Liebeskind, 1983Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Developmental settings of modernity call for a paradoxical integration of planfulness and opportunism, of commitment and disengagement, or of assimilative tenacity and accommodative flexibility.

“Thus, it seems to call for a paradoxical integration of planfulness and opportunism, of commitment and disengagement-or of assimilative tenacity and accommodative flexibility, to put it in terms of the dual-process framework.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The interplay of assimilation and accommodation is itself rooted in the phylogenetically evolved architecture of the human mind.

“Generally, however, the interplay of assimilation and accommodation is itself rooted in the phylogenetically evolved architecture of the human mind.”