Enhancing Motivation, Self-efficacy, and Response-efficacy through Regulatory Fit
Date
2010-05
Authors
Errisuriz, Vanessa
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Abstract
According to the Theory of Self-Regulatory Focus, individuals can be characterized by a regulatory focus of either promotion or prevention. Promotion focus involves sensitivity to the presence/absence of positive outcomes and is characterized by a strategy of pursuing desirable end-states, whereas prevention focus involves sensitivity to the presence/absence of negative outcomes and is characterized by a strategy of avoiding undesirable end-states. Regulatory fit is experienced when individuals use means of goal pursuit to match their regulatory focus. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of regulatory fit on motivation and overall efficacy in regards to eating a healthy diet, and to determine which regulatory fit combination most enhances self- and response-efficacy. A total of 193 participants were recruited for this study and were randomly assigned to receive information about healthy eating via a positive or negative role model and gain- or loss-framed information. This study demonstrated that positive role models and self-efficacy both play a role in enhancing an individual's intention to eat a healthy diet. Promotion-focused individuals in a regulatory fit condition also showed greater intention to eat a healthy diet. Promotion-focused individuals were found to have higher self-efficacy than prevention-focused individuals. Interestingly, promotion-focused individuals were found to have higher response-efficacy, particularly those presented with a positive role model and gain-framed message.
Description
Keywords
motivation, self-efficacy, behavior modification, health behavior
Citation
Errisuriz, V. (2010). Enhancing motivation, self-efficacy, and response-efficacy through regulatory fit (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.