Easy and Difficult Performance-Approach Goals: Their moderating effect on the link between task interest and performance attainment

Monica Blaga,Nico W Van Yperen

doi:10.5334/pb-48-2-3-93

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the positive link between task interest and performance attainment can be negatively affected by the pursuit of difficult performance-approach goals. This was tested in a sample of 60 undergraduate students at a Dutch university. In line with expectations, for difficult performance-approach goals there was no link between task interest and performance attainment. Furthermore, among women this relation turned out to be negative. In an easy performance-approach goal condition, a positive link between task interest and performance attainment was found for both men and women, while in the control condition the same expected positive relation was not found. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Highlights

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the positive link between task interest and performance attainment can be negatively affected by the pursuit of difficult performance-approach goals
In an easy performance-approach goal condition, a positive link between task interest and performance attainment was found for both men and women, while in the control condition the same expected positive relation was not found
We argue and demonstrate that the link between task interest and performance attainment may be influenced by assigned performance-approach goals, and harmed by difficult performanceapproach goals in particular

Summary

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the positive link between task interest and performance attainment can be negatively affected by the pursuit of difficult performance-approach goals. This was tested in a sample of 60 undergraduate students at a Dutch university. At the same time, performance-approach goals may involve some costs in terms of anxiety, worry, negative affect, dissatisfaction, and strained interpersonal relationships (e.g., Elliot, 2005; Harackiewicz, Barron, Pintrich, Elliot, & Thrash, 2002; Janssen & Van Yperen, 2004). We argue and demonstrate that the link between task interest and performance attainment may be influenced by assigned performance-approach goals, and harmed by difficult performanceapproach goals in particular

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Conclusion