Approach Motivation Research Articles

Impact of parity and salivary hormonal levels on motivation toward infant emotions.

Infant faces have been shown to be particularly motivating stimuli for women. No studies, however, have compared mothers and nonmothers in whether parity modulates approach motivation toward emotional infant faces. We studied 54 Finnish first-time mothers and 42 nonmothers in a pay-per-view key-press task where the participants were shown 20 infant faces with smiling and crying expressions. Participants were able to adjust the time each face was visible. In addition, salivary testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol levels were measured and their impact on motivation toward infants analyzed. When controlling for the hormonal levels, happy infant faces were viewed longer than crying faces and there was no difference in mean viewing times between mothers and nonmothers. An interaction between parity and emotion emerged: Mothers were more motivated to view happy faces and less motivated to view crying infant faces than nonmothers. Testosterone had a significant effect on viewing times: The higher the testosterone levels were, the shorter amount of time infant faces were viewed. This indicates that testosterone is inversely associated with approach motivation to emotional infant stimuli. This study is the first to compare mothers and nonmothers in a task measuring motivational responses to infant stimuli and indicates that the difference between the approach motivation caused by happy and distressed infant emotions might be more heightened in new mothers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effective Motivational Techniques on Personal Performance: A Cross-Cutting Case Study of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Juba South Sudan

Purpose: This study investigates effective motivational techniques aimed at improving personal performance within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in Juba, South Sudan. The research seeks to identify motivational challenges currently experienced by public servants in South Sudan, evaluate how the existing motivational approaches in the MDAs align with best practices in other regions, and propose targeted interventions to boost motivation among public servants in South Sudan. As the demand for efficiency and transparency in public service increases, understanding the factors that drive motivation becomes vital. Materials and Methods: Utilizing a mixed-methods research approach, this study combined both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Data were gathered from 46 participants and analyzed using SPSS Version 26. The primary focus was on the correlation between motivational strategies (independent variable) and individual performance (dependent variable). A regression model was used to assess the effect of motivational strategies on employee performance. Findings: The research findings indicate that recognition, incentives, and opportunities for professional growth play a significant role in enhancing employee engagement and productivity. The unstandardized coefficient for motivational strategies was measured at 0.628 (p < 0.001), suggesting a direct correlation between increased motivational strategies and improved individual performance. Furthermore, the correlation analysis exhibited a strong positive relationship, with a zero-order correlation of 0.935, reinforcing the beneficial effects of motivational strategies. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The results underscore the critical need for MDAs in South Sudan to implement effective motivational strategies to enhance workforce productivity. Prioritizing recognition, offering incentives, and supporting professional development are strategies that can significantly elevate employee morale and productivity. Addressing these motivational challenges is essential for promoting a more efficient and transparent public service in the context of the existing bureaucratic and socio-economic environment in South Sudan.

Frontal alpha asymmetry as a marker of approach motivation? Insights from a cooperative forking path analysis.

Frontal alpha asymmetry has been proposed as a ubiquitous marker of state and trait approach motivation, but recent meta-analyses found weak or nonexistent links with personality traits. It has been suggested that frontal asymmetry may show stronger individual differences in situations that elicit approach motivation (state-trait interaction). To investigate this with sufficient statistical power, we utilized data from the CoScience project (N = 740). Frontal asymmetry was measured during a resting period, a picture viewing task, and a guessing task, which were expected to trigger different levels of approach motivation. Results showed that frontal asymmetry was not reliably affected by task manipulations and did not relate to self-reported traits. Furthermore, Bayesian statistics and a cooperative forking path analysis were used to supplement the preregistered analyses. To conclude, this comprehensive analysis could not support the validity of frontal asymmetry as a marker of approach motivation, neither as a reliable state nor as a trait marker. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Language Mindsets and Strategic Approaches to Studying: The Mediating Roles of Control‐Value Appraisals and Emotions

ABSTRACTLanguage mindsets influence learners' behavior, motivation, and strategic approaches to studying a language. These mindsets impact how learners perceive control and value in achievement activities, which, in turn, affect their achievement emotions and ultimately their learning strategies and academic performance. This study investigates the effects of growth and fixed language mindsets on strategic approaches to studying English, with perceived academic control, task value, and positive/negative achievement emotions serving as mediators. Questionnaire surveys were administered to 517 university students in Taiwan. The structural models revealed that students with growth language mindsets exhibited stronger academic control and task value, experienced more positive emotions, and employed more study strategies. These factors partially mediated the relationship between growth language mindsets and study strategies. In contrast, fixed language mindsets did not predict task value or study strategies, but they negatively predicted academic control. No mediating effects were found between fixed language mindsets and study strategies.

Supplemental Material for Frontal Alpha Asymmetry as a Marker of Approach Motivation? Insights From a Cooperative Forking Path Analysis

Supplemental Material for Frontal Alpha Asymmetry as a Marker of Approach Motivation? Insights From a Cooperative Forking Path Analysis

ANALISIS DINAMIKA PELATIHAN DALAM MENINGKATKAN DISIPLIN KERJA ORGANISASI HOCKEY DI JAKARTA TIMUR

Work discipline is an important factor that affects individual and team performance in an organization. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of training in improving the work discipline of hockey organizations in East Jakarta. The object of this research is the East Jakarta Zone within the scope of the hockey organization. The research method used is a quantitative approach with questionnaire survey techniques or interviews of hockey athletes in East Jakarta. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive methods to identify the effect of training on improving work discipline on hockey organizations in East Jakarta. The results of this study indicate that structured and sustainable training is able to improve athlete discipline, both in terms of compliance with rules, time management, and teamwork. In addition, training dynamics involving motivational approaches and consistent supervision from coaches play a significant role in building a culture of discipline among team members. The implication of this study is the importance of preparing training programs that not only focus on technical aspects, but also character development and work discipline to achieve optimal organizational performance.

Achievement Goals, Perceived Teacher Support, and Mathematics Achievement: The Mediating Role of Academic Disidentification

In a competency-based curriculum (CBC), the development of logical and critical thinking skills in mathematics is essential. As a cornerstone of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), mathematics is pivotal for addressing real-world challenges. However, overall pass rates remain unsatisfactory in Kenyan secondary schools, particularly in Kisii County. This study investigated the mediating role of academic disidentification in the relationship between achievement goals, perceived teacher support, and mathematics achievement. Grounded in the revised 3x2 Achievement Goal Model, Self-Determination Theory, and Expectancy-Value Theory, a correlational design was employed with a random sample of 418 Form Three students from thirty seven schools in Kisii County; Kenya in 2023. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that academic disidentification partially mediates the relationship among achievement goals, perceived teacher support, and mathematics achievement. School categories differed significantly in avoidance motivation, with co-educational schools exhibiting the highest levels. Based on these findings, the study recommends that mathematics teachers prioritize fostering approach motivation, especially in co-educational schools, to enhance student achievement in mathematics.

The feasibility, acceptability and perceived impact of a theory-based intervention on non-medical prescribing students’ antibiotic prescribing behaviour: an experimental study

Abstract Introduction Acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are one of the most common infections. URTIs usually resolve spontaneously but 60% of all prescriptions issued in UK primary care are for URTIs1 contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Non-medical prescribers are a growing group of prescribers but there are few if any antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions to support their prescribing practices. Introducing AMS interventions when learning to prescribe can play an important role to embed appropriate practice at the start of a prescribers’ journey. Aim To test the feasibility, acceptability and perceived impact of a theory-based electronic learning intervention on the antibiotic prescribing behaviour of non-medical prescribing students. Methods Non-medical prescribing students registered at the study setting (university) were recruited via email and word of mouth. Following consent, participants completed an online pre-intervention questionnaire that explored their perceived prescribing behaviour and confidence in treating patients with URTIs. Participants then completed the intervention, accessible from any internet-enabled device via a weblink. The intervention was previously developed2 using the behaviour change wheel and comprised an animation of a prescriber opting against prescribing antibiotics for an adult with self-limiting URTI using a motivational interviewing approach. The patient felt satisfied and confident about their care. Four questions followed the scenario. Participants then completed an online post-intervention questionnaire that explored the usefulness of the intervention, and the same pre-intervention confidence questions. A one-to-one online audio-recorded semi-structured interview followed, exploring participants’ experiences of using the intervention. Questionnaire and interview questions were informed by the Capability Opportunities Motivation-Behaviour model. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis3. Ethical approval was given by the School Research Ethics Committee where the researchers were based. Results Twelve participants (of 50 approached) consented to take part. Eight completed the pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and the intervention. Seven completed all stages of the study. 87.5% of participants worked in a hospital setting. All were qualified for at least two years. Interviews lasted between 9-15 minutes. Participants’ confidence in treating patients with URTI increased in all statements; gain information on patient expectations, support patients’ comprehension of health information, build rapport, communicate effectively, help patients to see and examine different viewpoints (highest mean increase) and patients understand and are happy with their prescribing decision. These increases aligned with qualitative accounts. Participants agreed that the intervention would be useful to them and would change their practice positively. Participants found the intervention easy to use; access was straightforward and took between 5-20minutes to complete. The addition of a wider range of complex, challenging scenarios to the intervention were suggested. Discussion/conclusions The intervention was feasible to complete and acceptable to the participants. Participants’ confidence in treating patients increased; even though many were familiar with AMS, the intervention gave them further confidence to support a no antibiotic prescribing strategy. Participants suggested including more complex patient scenarios; this will be considered in a future study. Study limitations includes a small sample size and most participants worked in hospital settings but the intervention was set in primary care.

Metode Pendidikan Agama Islam dalam Perspektif Al-Quran dan Hadist

Methodology is a crucial component in determining the success or failure of an education. This allows learning material to be taught effectively and efficiently to students. To achieve this, teachers should use a multi-strategy and multi-sector approach, including motivational and pedagogical approaches. This research uses qualitative methods, such as library research, to explore Islamic education methods. The methodology must take into account the individual or social aspects of the students and teachers themselves. The three components of Islamic education include knowledge, skills, and knowledge. Understanding methodology is critical to determining educational effectiveness. In the world of Islamic religious education, the process and goals of education should be in accordance with the Koran and Hadith as the main sources of Islamic teachings. In these two sources of law there must be a strong foundation regarding educational methods, as implemented by the Prophet Muhammad in preaching and educating Muslims. The results show that there are five educational methods in the Koran and Hadith.

Profiles Based on Support Relationships and the Role of Resources in Compliance to Precautions: Lessons from the COVID-19 Crisis

Despite the crucial role that social support relationships play in coping with crises, there is limited knowledge on how social capital-based resources function in compliance with measures during the COVID-19 crisis, given the complex effects created by the conditions of the support relationship. Synthesizing the capital perspective with the protection motivation approach, this study addresses the negative and positive capital effects in the capital-preventive behavior relationship by examining the role of individual and social resource-based factors in the adaptation of profiles based on support relationships. Results revealed five profiles based on social support relationship conditions. In particular, low compliance commitment was seen in the family-intensive profile, where the support relationship was reciprocal and characterized by strong family ties, similar to the profile without a support relationship. The fact that factors based on social resources are common risk factors in profiles with support relationships with more groups implies that these groups may be more open to social capital effects. The results emphasize that factors related to individual or social resources should be taken into account according to capital potential in the management of crises that require collective action.

Boosting Resilience Attentional Bias in Previously Bullied University Students with Low Post-Traumatic Growth: A Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Study.

Background/Objectives: Post-traumatic growth (PTG) has the potential to draw positive consequences from trauma. Hence, there is interest in finding ways to promote PTG. Research has identified an attentional bias towards positive resilience-related words (e.g., "persistence", "purpose") in university students who report high PTG after experiencing adversities. Although people can respond to these experiences by showing low PTG, this bias seems to help with their struggle by making purposeful contents more accessible. Therefore, boosting attentional bias towards positive resilience-related words could help people with low PTG. Methods: In this study, the participants were thirty-six university students who had experienced bullying before entering university. Using a Stroop emotional task, they identified the color of resilience and neutral words, either positive or negative, before and after being submitted to transcranial direct current stimulation. Stimulation was targeted at the right temporal area involved in intentionality processing. Results: In the anodal condition, the results support a stimulation effect on the resilience attentional bias that could benefit participants with low PTG. A significant moderation of approach motivation for this effect was also found. Specifically, only when participants had medium or high approach motivation did stimulation boost the attentional bias in students with low PTG. Conclusions: These results support that tDCS stimulation in this brain area is effective in enhancing resilience attentional bias in low-PTG students. However, for this effect to occur it is necessary to have approach motivation, which is motivation related to goals.

Strategi Pengelolaan Sumber Daya Manusia di Lembaga Kesejahteraan Masjid Rahmatan Lil Alamin Al-Zaytun Indramayu

Factors such as leadership behavior, employee compensation, and related policies significantly impact employee engagement in achieving organizational performance. Case studies from large and medium-sized companies in Indonesia indicate that achieving shared goals requires balancing performance targets at every individual level. This study analyzes human resource management (HRM) at the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Mosque Welfare Institution, Al-Zaytun Indramayu, and formulates HRM strategies using SWOT analysis.The findings show that HRM at the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Mosque Welfare Institution, Al-Zaytun, is implemented through two main approaches: motivation and soft skill development. The motivational approach aligns with fulfilling employees' physiological needs, while the soft skill approach addresses the need for security, appreciation, love, and self-actualization. The SWOT analysis reveals that the institution's internal strengths include standardized systems and procedures, well-managed human resources, and clear job descriptions for each role. Identified weaknesses are the absence of job analysis as a foundation for HR planning and recurring disciplinary violations. Externally, opportunities include utilizing e-commerce and implementing minimum service standards, while threats arise from individuals or parties who oppose the institution's existence.

Exploring the Impact of Game Elements and Technological Platforms on Dementia Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

One effective strategy to improve the quality of life for people with dementia (PWD) is rehabilitation, though patients often show reluctance due to the disease’s effects. A trending motivational approach is gamification. However, most research in this field has focused on the medical or technical aspects of system development, with less attention given to the role of game elements in the patient experience. In this study, a scoping review based on the PRISMA method was conducted on gamified rehabilitation systems, focusing on gamification elements, and interaction with technological platforms. By reviewing 46 studies, we extracted game elements based on the gamification pyramid, technological platforms, and rehabilitation methods, and compared them with previous studies on PWD interactions. This analysis identified opportunities and challenges for future research. Additionally, nine factors to improve user experience in the design of gamification systems for dementia rehabilitation were presented based on the review results.

How to motivate adolescents who are afraid of treatment?

Motivation has long been considered key to sending substance use disorder (SUD) patients in the direction of recovery. But how do you motivate an adolescent, to whom motivational approaches may feel like a call to battle — or even worse, an excuse for running away? Lauren Sbarbaro, Ph.D., a psychologist licensed in alcohol and drug treatment who trained at Hazelden, shared some insights with attendees at the Cape Cod Symposium on Addictive Disorders (CCSAD) in Hyannis, Massachusetts last week.

Anger and Self-Control: How the Need to Dominate Can Lead to Better Choices

Prior research has shown that anger can predispose consumers to exert poor self-control by making them want to feel better (i.e., increasing a hedonic need for mood repair), less likely to consider risks of gratifying, and more likely to seek rewards (i.e., increasing approach motivation). However, anger also activates a need to be dominant. Consequently, across five experiments, the authors show that policy makers can motivate angry consumers to exert more self-control by emphasizing the dominance benefits of the more virtuous option in a self-control dilemma. For instance, angry consumers are more likely to exercise or eat healthily when these behaviors are associated with becoming physically stronger rather than preventing illness. The authors test these effects across various domains of self-control, such as eating healthily, exercising, saving money, and studying, and with both binary choices between virtuous and gratifying options and choices on a spectrum in which consumers choose virtuous and gratifying options in varying proportions. However, the authors find these effects occur only when angry consumers expect dominance benefits to accrue in the near but not distant future.

How to motivate adolescents: Treatment can be scary

Motivation has long been considered key to sending adolescents with mental or substance use disorders in the direction of recovery. But how do you motivate an adolescent, to whom motivational approaches may feel like a call to battle — or even worse, an excuse for running away? Lauren Sbarbaro, Ph.D., a psychologist licensed in alcohol and drug treatment who trained at Hazelden, shared some insights with attendees at the Cape Cod Symposium on Addictive Disorders (CCSAD) in Hyannis, Massachusetts in September.

The effect of high- and low-approach motivated sadness on frontal alpha asymmetry and other metrics

Sadness is commonly perceived as an affective state with negative valence. However, studies on the psychological and physiological effects of sadness have yielded mixed results. We proposed a systematic analysis of sadness, taking into account an additional dimension - the intensity of approach motivation, understood as an urge to move toward. We induced low and high approach motivation sadness while measuring electrical brain activity (EEG). We predicted that low approach motivation sadness and high approach sadness would evoke different patterns of frontal alpha activity. In our study, 41 participants were randomly assigned to a low or high approach motivation sadness induction. A significant interaction was observed when comparing low and high approach motivation sadness across the presented stories, as measured by the frontal alpha asymmetry index. To furtherly explore this effect, we conducted cluster-based permutation analysis on individual alpha peak-centered spectra, which revealed a more centrally diffused effect over the frontal areas in both hemispheres as well a significant activation over the occipital region. Low approach motivation sadness was associated with reduced alpha power over frontal areas, while high approach motivation sadness was associated with increased alpha power in the same region, both in comparison to neutral condition. These results might reflect Default Mode Network activation or the projection from occipital area. Based on these results, we propose a new perspective on sadness as a heterogeneous state that should be evaluated based on the intensity of approach motivation, rather than solely on its valence.

Program Reach and Motivational Correlates of Exercise Behavior among Program Participants with Visual Impairment

ABSTRACT Introduction Adults with visual impairments (VI) experience unique barriers to exercise. Targeted exercise programming can eliminate barriers, but little is known about who engages in such programs. This cross-sectional study a) describes program reach and motivational correlates of exercise behavior among members of specialized exercise programs offered to adults with VI; b) examines demographic, psychological, and behavioral differences according to VI severity; and c) assesses the interrelationships between motivational characteristics and exercise behavior. Methods Data for program participants were provided to researchers by the partnered organization with participant consent. A total of 118 participants also completed a post-program survey on motivational characteristics and exercise behavior. Reach was assessed with descriptive statistics. T-tests and chi-squared tests were used to analyze respondent representativeness compared to the population of program participants (demographically) and normative values (motivationally). Analysis of variance examined differences according to VI severity. Pearson’s correlations and multiple regression assessed strength and independence of relationships between motivational variables and exercise. Results Programs attracted mostly equivalent groups of individuals across gender and varying severity of VI. Survey respondents were representative of program participants but were significantly more approach motivated and less avoidance motivated than published norms, and mostly exhibited autonomous forms of motivational regulation for exercise. Differences according to VI severity were not significant. Relationships between approach motivation and exercise were no longer significant when modeled with motivational regulation for exercise. Identified regulation was the lone significant predictor of exercise in the multivariate model. Conclusion This study presents a novel understanding of the demographic and motivational reach of specialized programming for adults with VI, as well as the motivational correlates of exercise behavior among existing program participants. Motivational characteristics were related to exercise behavior in a way that was consistent with theory, such that contextualized motivational regulation demonstrated stronger associations with exercise behavior than motivational dispositions.

Development and implementation of a physiotherapy exercise intervention with tailored support for exercise adherence for people with vertebral fragility fractures (OPTIN trial)

ObjectivesThe OsteoPorosis Tailored exercise adherence INtervention (OPTIN) trial is a two-arm, multi-centre randomised controlled trial. It compares the effectiveness of physiotherapy exercise rehabilitation with integrated support for exercise adherence, to physiotherapy exercise rehabilitation alone, for people with vertebral fragility fracture (VFF) and back pain. This paper describes the development of the physiotherapist-led adherence enhanced intervention. MethodsWe used an intervention mapping approach and followed Medical Research Council guidelines for developing complex interventions. We co-created the intervention involving expert clinicians, service managers, researchers, and adults with long-term musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoporosis. We identified a theoretical framework, reviewed the evidence, used a feasibility study, and considered clinical practice and deliverability within UK National Health Service (NHS) outpatient physiotherapy secondary care. Through a collaborative workshop, we refined the intervention, involved patients again and re-tested the intervention. Finally, we manualised the intervention, produced patient and physiotherapist materials and trained physiotherapists for delivery. ResultsThe OPTIN intervention uses a motivational interviewing approach and captures information about patient goals, barriers, and facilitators to exercise. Physiotherapists assess exercise capability, opportunities and motivation and utilise at least three behaviour change approaches, selecting from an intervention toolkit of nine approaches to support exercise behaviour. Ninety minutes of additional physiotherapy are provided to deliver the intervention, integrated within the assessment and six follow-up visits. ConclusionsA theory-informed intervention to support exercise adherence was developed and delivered by physiotherapists trained in the intervention to older adults with VFF and back pain in the intervention arm (n = 63) of the OPTIN trial. Trial Registration numberISRCTN 14465704. Contribution of Paper•Describes the development of an intervention to support adherence to physiotherapy exercise for people with vertebral fragility fracture.•Reports in detail the intervention for replication.

Reflections and insights on a mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment-based (MAC) intervention with complementary Self-Determination Theory (SDT) principles delivered by a coach

This paper presents a case of implementing a MAC-based intervention, empowered by SDT principles, delivered by the coach. As the MAC-based approach becomes dominant in the sport psychology field and SDT is a leading motivational approach applied to sports coaching, a 10-session program was delivered by the head coach to a group of 28 gymnasts. The intervention included psychoeducation on core MAC principles (e.g., values, acceptance, defusion) and was guided by the coach's efforts to fulfill the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The intervention program protocol aligned with the coach's reflections are presented in each session. In conclusion, despite some constraints, this intervention framework holds potential for contributing to youth athletes' performance, well-being, and psychological development.