Short-term induction of assimilation and accommodation

Abstract

The dual-process model of developmental regulation distinguishes two processes of self-regulation (assimilation = tenacious goal pursuit, and accommodation = flexible goal adjustment) that depend on differing conditions, but both contribute to successful development. Four experiments were conducted to investigate whether assimilation and accommodation can be induced or at least shifted by sensorimotor and cognitive manipulations. Experiment 1 investigated the relation between body manipulation and self-regulation. It was shown that assimilation could be triggered when participants were asked to hold on to golf balls as compared to being asked to drop them. Experiment 2 showed that a semantic priming of "let go" or "hold on" via instructions influenced the processes of self-regulation. Experiment 3 and Experiment 4 investigated the role of cognitive sets (divergent thinking) and motivational processes (thinking about one's action resources) in enhancing accommodation or assimilation. As expected, accommodation was triggered by an intervention activating divergent thought, and participants were more assimilative when they thought about their action resources. In sum, the results indicate that assimilation and accommodation can be induced experimentally; they were systematically dependent on physical, cognitive, and motivational states. The implications of the findings were discussed in the light of the dual-process model.

Coping and Resilience in the Transition to Adulthood

“…One possible explanation that has been discussed in life span psychology (Boerner & Jopp, 2010; Brandtstädter & Rothermund, 2002) is that experiences of loss, which normatively are more prevalent in the second half of life, could be a crucial factor for age differences in meaning-focused coping to become manifested. In addition to loss experiences in advanced age, divergent thinking or richness of self-definition has been assumed to be prerequisites of meaning-focused coping (Leipold et al, 2014; Rafaeli & Hiller, 2010).…”

Facets of accommodative coping in adulthood.

“…In the following we argue, however, that it can be useful in empirical research to differentiate between several facets. For example, in experiments, training or clinical intervention studies aiming to detect changes in accommodative coping (Leipold et al, 2014), a measure that differentiates between several components would be particularly important as a one-dimensional (and dispositional) measure might not be sensitive to change.…”

Music reception and emotional regulation in adolescence and adulthood

“…Accommodative coping and reorganization of blocked goals have been shown to provide a basis for stability and resilience in adulthood. Several studies have provided empirical evidence for a link between a complex knowledge structure and accommodative mechanisms (Leipold & Greve 2009; Leipold et al, 2014; Rothermund & Meiniger, 2004).…”