Age-related differences in evaluating developmental stability

in International Journal of Behavioral Development (2013), 37(4), 376-386

Two studies examined the hypothesis that the evaluation of developmental stability changes across adulthood. Results of Study 1 (N ¼ 119) supported the expectation that older adults (Mage ¼ 65.29 years ... [more ▼]

Two studies examined the hypothesis that the evaluation of developmental stability changes across adulthood. Results of Study 1 (N ¼ 119) supported the expectation that older adults (Mage ¼ 65.29 years)—compared to younger (Mage ¼ 23.38 years) and middle-aged adults (Mage ¼ 38.68 years)—evaluate developmental stability more positively and losses less negatively across all life domains included in this study (subjective well-being, social relationships, cognition, physical functioning). Replicating and extending these findings, Study 2 (N ¼ 182, age-range: 18–86 years) demonstrated that these age-related differences exist only for stability on an explicit and implicit level of evaluation. Moreover, Study 2 shows that the positive evaluation of stability increases after resource investments into maintaining stability were made salient. We discuss the results in relation to motivational orientation and psychological adjustment to developmental change. [less ▲]

Multidimensionality of developmental conceptions

Scientific Conference (2012, September)

Means or outcomes? Goal orientation predicts process and outcome focus

in European Journal of Developmental Psychology (2012), 9(4), 493-499

Previous research has demonstrated that the representation of goals primarily in terms of means (process focus) compared to outcomes of goal pursuit (outcome focus) increases across the lifespan. Nothing ... [more ▼]

Previous research has demonstrated that the representation of goals primarily in terms of means (process focus) compared to outcomes of goal pursuit (outcome focus) increases across the lifespan. Nothing is known, however, about the processes underlying this age-related difference. The current study investigates age-related differences in growth and maintenance orientation as one of the factors contributing to age-related differences in goal focus. A self-report study (N¼123, 18 to 82 years, M¼48.59) presents first evidence that process focus is predicted by maintenance goal orientation, whereas outcome focus is predicted by growth goal orientation. Moreover, maintenance goal orientation mediates the positive association of age and process focus. Results are discussed taking a functional perspective of the role of goal orientation in age-related differences in goal focus. [less ▲]

On means and ends: Goal orientation and goal focus across adulthood

in Ryan, R. M. (Ed.) The Oxford handbook of human motivation (2012)

Personal goals guide behavior toward a desired outcome, motivate behavior over time and across situations, provide direction and meaning, and contribute to the acquisition of skills and subjective well ... [more ▼]

Personal goals guide behavior toward a desired outcome, motivate behavior over time and across situations, provide direction and meaning, and contribute to the acquisition of skills and subjective well-being. The adaptiveness of goals, however, might vary with dimensions such as their orientation toward the achievement of gains, maintenance of functioning, or the avoidance of losses. We argue that goal orientation is most adaptive when it corresponds to the availability of resources and the ubiquity of losses. In line with this argument, younger adults show a predominant orientation toward the promotion of gains, whereas goal orientation shifts toward maintenance and avoidance of loss across adulthood. This shift in goal orientation seems adaptive both regarding subjective well-being as well as engagement in goal pursuit. A second goal dimension that has been largely overlooked in the literature is the cognitive representation of goal pursuit primarily in terms of its means (i.e., process focus) or its ends (i.e., outcome focus). This chapter investigates the antecedents and consequences of goal focus. In particular, it highlights the importance of factors related to chronological age (i.e., the availability of resources, future time perspective, goal orientation, motivational phase) for the preference for and adaptiveness of an outcome or process focus. Finally, we posit that a process focus leads to more adaptive behavioral and affective reactions when people encounter failure during goal pursuit. [less ▲]

Alters- und Bereichsunterschiede in der Erwartung und Beeinflussbarkeit von Verlusten

Poster (2010, September)

Association between goal orientation and the means as well as the outcomes of a goal

Poster (2009, October)

Mittel oder Zweck? Präferenz für Prozess vs. Ergebnisfokus in Abhängigkeit der Orientierung auf Veränderung vs. Beibehaltung

Poster (2009, August)

Does goal orientation affect the salience of the means or the outcomes of a goal

Poster (2008, October)