Chapter 22 Prospectus for an Improved Measure of Telic Dominance

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter evaluates a psychometric critique of the telic dominance scale (TDS). It utilizes motivational control theory as a metatheoretic framework for understanding some reversal theory concepts. The chapter also presents improvements and alternative strategies for measuring telic dominance. TDS is considered an important tool in the empirical study of reversal theory. The TDS is based on the theoretical assumption that telic dominance reflects a combination of three phenomenological characteristics —namely, (1) serious-minded, (2) planning, and (3) arousal avoidance. These three characteristics form the basis for item construction for the TDS. Motivational control theory is a metatheoretic framework, which can be used to show the relationships and differences among theories. The basic idea of motivational control theory is that there is a hierarchy of control loops, where each loop represents a goal or motive. At the top of the hierarchy are goals such as self-esteem, which are referred to as “principal goals,” at the bottom of the hierarchy are goals to carry out specific actions and these are referred as “program goals.” The program goals are thus the “subordinate goals,” which act as means for attaining the end or superordinate, principal goals.