Motivational correlates of thought content frequency and commitment.

Abstract

Following evidence that cues related to Ss' current concerns control cognitive processing, this investigation probes the concern attributes that determine concern influence on thought content. The hypothesis—based on theory implicating affect in the initiation of thought segments, in determining incentive value, and in disengagement—predicted that the frequency with which goals are thought about varies with the value and imminence of the goal and with variables related to disrupted goal striving, other affect-related variables, and intensity of commitment. Concern Dimensions Questionnaires (CDQs) were administered to 153 undergraduates to assess recent thought content and provide ratings of things thought about. Thought-sampling evidence validated the CDQ measure of thought content frequency. The CDQ data confirmed the major hypotheses for all classes of variables, indicating that commitment varies with incentive value and expectancy and that thought is more often focused on goal pursuits involving threatened personal relationships, unexpected difficulties, and high degrees of commitment. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)