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Cited by 792Behavioral Health and InterventionsMotivation and Self-Concept in SportsEducation, Achievement, and Giftedness

Not all Personal Goals are Personal: Comparing Autonomous and Controlled Reasons for Goals as Predictors of Effort and Attainment

Sheldon, Kennon M., Elliot, Andrew J.·1998·Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
DOI 10.1177/0146167298245010
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Abstract

Even when goals are self-generated, they may not feel truly "personal," that is, autonomous and self-integrated. In three studies (one concurrent and two prospective), we found that the autonomy of personal goals predicted goal attainment. In contrast, the strength of "controlled" motivation did not predict attainment. Studies 2 and 3 validated a mediational model in which autonomy led to attainment because it promoted sustained effort investment. In Study 3, the Goal Attainment Scaling methodology was used to provide a more objective measure of goal attainment, and additional analyses were performed to rule out expectancy, value, and expectancy x value explanations of the autonomy-to-attainment effects. Results are discussed in terms of contemporary models of volition and self-regulation.

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Authors
Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J.
Affiliations
University of Rochester (US)
ORCID
Venue
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
1998-05
Volume
24
Issue
5
Pages
546-557
ISSN
  • 0146-1672 (ISSN-L)
  • 1552-7433
DOI
10.1177/0146167298245010
OpenAlex
W2100834612
Cited by
792
References
7
Citations by year
2026: 17 · 2025: 34 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 37 · 2021: 44 · 2020: 41 · 2019: 44 · 2018: 50 · 2017: 34 · 2016: 29 · 2015: 56 · 2014: 29 · 2013: 37 · 2012: 43
FWCI
14.08
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Education, Achievement, and Giftedness
Keywords
personal goals, controlled motivation, goal achievement, effort investment, self-regulation, volition, self-integration, goal attainment scaling, expectancy-value theory

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