Reaktive Anspannungssteigerung und Geschwindigkeit in der Zielverfolgung

Abstract

Düker's concept of reactive increase of psychic tension is based on the assumption that individuals who are motivated to perform well, tend to compensate inhibitions of performance by (sometimes subconsciously) intensifying their efforts. Empirical findings with alcohol, dual task problems, and fatigue support this assumption. The commitment theory of goal pursuit takes up again the phenomenon of reactive increase of psychic tension and shows a connection between this phenomenon and the velocity of goal pursuit. To test the predictions of the commitment theory of goal pursuit in comparison to the predictions of alternative goal theories, a study in which participants received false feedback on velocity and goal proximity was conducted. The observations were in line with the commitment theory of goal pursuit and Düker's notion of reactive increase of psychic tension. Effort increases after negative velocity discrepancies turn out to be a direct response to negative velocity feedback.