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

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cris.lastimport.scopus2026-02-21T04:16:19Z
dc.abstract.enWhen 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.
dc.affiliationWydział Psychologii we Wrocławiu
dc.affiliationInstytut Psychologii
dc.contributor.authorSorys, Klaudia
dc.contributor.authorGollwitzer, Peter M.
dc.contributor.authorByrka, Katarzyna
dc.date.access2026-02-28
dc.date.accessioned2025-10-13T07:58:08Z
dc.date.available2025-10-13T07:58:08Z
dc.date.created2025-02-13
dc.date.issued2025-04
dc.description.abstract<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>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 (<jats:italic>N</jats:italic> = 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.</jats:p>
dc.description.accesstimeafter_publication
dc.description.grantnumber2018/30/E/HS6/00465
dc.description.granttitleDążenie do autodefiniujących celów a poddawanie się i uleganie pokusom
dc.description.issue2
dc.description.physical1-25
dc.description.versionfinal_author
dc.description.volume64
dc.identifier.doi10.1111/bjso.12873
dc.identifier.issn0144-6665
dc.identifier.issn2044-8309
dc.identifier.urihttps://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/1826
dc.identifier.weblinkhttps://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjso.12873
dc.languageen
dc.pbn.affiliationpsychologia
dc.rightsEmbargo
dc.rights.questionYes_rights
dc.share.articleOPEN_REPOSITORY
dc.subject.endeliberative mindsets
dc.subject.eneffectiveness
dc.subject.enidentity goals
dc.subject.enself completion
dc.subject.ensymbols
dc.swps.sciencecloudsend
dc.titleHaving a choice of means gears incomplete runners into more effective goal engagement: The effects of deliberative mindsets on the pursuit of identity goals
dc.title.journalBritish Journal of Social Psychology
dc.typeJournalArticle
dspace.entity.typeArticle