Mental contrasting and energization transfer to low-expectancy tasks

Abstract

Mentally contrasting future with reality is a self-regulation strategy that triggers expectancy-dependent energization for tasks instrumental to attaining the desired future. Energization by mental contrasting even transfers to tasks unrelated to the desired future at hand. Would such energization transfer by mental contrasting even energize people to perform unrelated tasks for which they have low success expectations? In Laboratory Experiment 1, mentally contrasting (vs. indulging) about performing well in a creativity task triggered physiological energization and better performance in an unrelated low-expectancy cognitive task that participants received in place of the creativity task. In Field Experiment 2, mentally contrasting an interpersonal wish helped schoolchildren invest more effort and perform better in a low-expectancy academic task—finding typos. Online Experiment 3 replicated Experiment 2 with adults. Mental contrasting participants’ effort and performance in the low-expectancy academic task did not differ from their effort and performance in a high-expectancy task. We discuss implications for designing interventions to foster energization for low-expectancy tasks.

Self-regulatory thought across time and domains.

“…Kappes & Oettingen, 2014). As a consequence, they become committed and energized which propels them to invest the needed effort (Oettingen et al, 2009; Sevincer, Busatta, & Oettingen, 2014; Sevincer et al, 2023). When people have low expectations of overcoming the obstacle, they let go of their wish.…”

Motives and mental contrasting with implementation intentions predict progress and management of goals in parents.

“…However, there is some evidence that training parents to use implementation intentions can improve various health outcomes (e.g., oral health, sunscreen use) in their children, particularly if parents are motivated to attain these goals (Armitage et al, 2020; Van Osch et al, 2008). Furthermore, the benefits of the mental contrasting process can transfer from one task to another, which may be particularly advantageous for multiple goal pursuit (Sevincer et al, 2023). For example, mental contrasting can increase individuals’ willingness to exert effort toward balancing work and family goals (Oettingen, 2000).…”