Having a choice of means gears incomplete runners into more effective goal engagement: The effects of deliberative mindsets on the pursuit of identity goals

StatusPost-Print
Dublin Core metadata
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Authors
Sorys, Klaudia
Gollwitzer, Peter M.
Byrka, Katarzyna
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2025-04
Publisher
Journal title
British Journal of Social Psychology
Issue
2
Volume
64
Pages
Pages
1-25
DOI
ISSN
0144-6665
2044-8309
ISSN of series
Weblink
https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjso.12873
Access date
2026-02-28
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
When individuals committed to a certain long-term identity goal fall short of relevant activities, they experience the state of self-incompleteness. This motivational state leads them to prioritize the identity goal pursuit by engaging in self-symbolizing behaviours. The present research investigates whether inducing a deliberative mindset in incomplete individuals by offering a choice will lead to a stronger preference for more effective options. In four studies, committed runners (N = 625) chose between two available options. In Studies 1 and 2, runners who experienced self-incompleteness were more likely to choose a more effective massage roller than runners who experienced self-completeness. In Studies 3 and 4, incomplete runners preferred a more effective phone application than complete runners. In Study 4, this effect was independent of a social reality induction. Further analyses revealed that effectiveness was related to the perceived effort of an option. Even though from a rational point of view people should prefer options that require less effort, participants committed to the identity goal of being a runner preferred to deal with their self-incompleteness feelings by engaging in the more effective but effortful means.
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Keywords PL
Keywords EN
deliberative mindsets
effectiveness
identity goals
self completion
symbols
Keywords other
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URI
https://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/1826
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Dążenie do autodefiniujących celów a poddawanie się i uleganie pokusom
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