On the meaningfulness of behavior: an expectancy x value approach
On the meaningfulness of behavior: an expectancy x value approach
Our research examines people’s concept of ‘meaningful behavior’ from an expectancy x value perspective. Specifically, we argue that people consider two elements when inferring the meaningfulness of behavior: the value of the goals that the behavior relates to and the degree to which the behavior is useful for the achievement of these goals. A series of five studies demonstrates that behavior is considered to be ‘meaningful’ if it is highly instrumental for a highly valued goal. Our expectancy x value approach offers a straightforward yet crucial perspective of how people infer whether or not everyday life behaviors are meaningful to them. The implications of our findings for research on meaningfulness, meaning-regulation, and sense making are discussed.
meaning, value, instrumentality, self-regulation
Tilburg, Wijnand A.P.
7396f6c2-3a43-4d02-a4a0-97efe4d5ab12
Igou, Eric R.
6cb4c069-c730-407b-bfbd-7c58007459df
25 July 2012
Tilburg, Wijnand A.P.
7396f6c2-3a43-4d02-a4a0-97efe4d5ab12
Igou, Eric R.
6cb4c069-c730-407b-bfbd-7c58007459df
Tilburg, Wijnand A.P. and Igou, Eric R.
(2012)
On the meaningfulness of behavior: an expectancy x value approach.
Motivation and Emotion.
(doi:10.1007/s11031-012-9316-3).
Abstract
Our research examines people’s concept of ‘meaningful behavior’ from an expectancy x value perspective. Specifically, we argue that people consider two elements when inferring the meaningfulness of behavior: the value of the goals that the behavior relates to and the degree to which the behavior is useful for the achievement of these goals. A series of five studies demonstrates that behavior is considered to be ‘meaningful’ if it is highly instrumental for a highly valued goal. Our expectancy x value approach offers a straightforward yet crucial perspective of how people infer whether or not everyday life behaviors are meaningful to them. The implications of our findings for research on meaningfulness, meaning-regulation, and sense making are discussed.
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Published date: 25 July 2012
Keywords:
meaning, value, instrumentality, self-regulation
Organisations:
Psychology
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Local EPrints ID: 348470
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/348470
ISSN: 0146-7239
PURE UUID: b95807cb-a455-4cf0-891b-a27013495470
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Date deposited: 13 Feb 2013 15:02
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 13:01
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Contributors
Author:
Wijnand A.P. Tilburg
Author:
Eric R. Igou
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