Significance-Quest Theory

Abstract

Even though the motivation to feel worthy, to be respected, and to matter to others has been identified for centuries by scholars, the antecedents, consequences, and conditions of its activation have not been systematically analyzed or integrated. The purpose of this article is to offer such an integration. We feature a motivational construct, the quest for significance, defined as the need to have social worth. This need is typically fulfilled by a sense of measuring up to the values one shares with significant others. Our significance-quest theory (SQT) assumes that the need for significance is universal, whereas the means of satisfying it depend on the sociocultural context in which one’s values are embedded. Those means are identified in a narrative supported and validated by one’s network, or reference group. The quest for significance is activated by significance loss and/or the opportunity for significance gain. It motivates behavior that aims to affirm, realize, and/or show commitment to an important value. The SQT is consistent with large bodies of prior research and supported by novel studies in multiple laboratory and field settings. It transcends prior understandings and offers guidance for further study of this essential human motivation.

From public health to public good: Toward universal wellbeing

“…At the personal level, they often become depressed [ 30 ]. In the absence of a sense of worthiness, people develop either internalizing or externalizing disorders [ 30 , 31 ]. In either case, the consequences are deleterious for the individual, who feels devalued, and often for the surroundings as well [ 33 ].…”

“…Adding value, on the other hand, encompasses essential features of wellbeing, such as autonomy, self-efficacy, sense of control, mastery, self-determination, empowerment, creativity, flow, using signature and character strengths, joy of learning, and competencies [ 29 ]. Indeed, there is extensive evidence linking mattering to these and other positive psychological and physical outcomes [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Psychische Belastung und Beanspruchung: Die Bedeutung der Valenz und der sozialen Realität. Anmerkungen zu Ferreira und Vogt (2021)

“…Dazu gehören etwa das Bedürfnis nach Kompetenz, nach Möglichkeiten der Einflussnahme (Kontrolle, Autonomie), nach sozialer Eingebundenheit (Anschlussmotiv; Belongingness), wobei nach Ansicht vieler Autorinnen und Autoren dem Bedürfnis nach sozialer Bestätigung eine zentrale Rolle zukommt (Kruglanski et al. 2022 : „social worth“; Leary und Allen 2011 : „relational value“).…”

The abortion divide: Exploring the role of exclusion, loss of significance and identity in the radicalization process

“…Many radicalization models highlight social factors that may drive individuals to shift from socially accepted activism to more radical actions ( McCauley and Moskalenko, 2008 ; Kruglanski et al, 2009 , 2014 ; Kruglanski and Fishman, 2009 ; Doosje et al, 2016 ; Kruglanski et al, 2019 , 2022 ). One such factor that has gained momentum in recent years is that of social exclusion and there is an increasing amount of empirical evidence that demonstrates the causal role that exclusion may have as a driver in the radicalization process ( Knapton et al, 2015 , 2022 ; Pfundmair, 2019 ; Renström et al, 2020 ; Pfundmair and Mahr, 2022 ).…”

“…Nevertheless, it is possible to explore how individual factors may make individuals susceptible to radicalization pathways and one such theory is the quest for significance model. Kruglanski and Fishman (2009) , Kruglanski et al (2009 , 2014) ), Kruglanski et al (2019) and Kruglanski et al (2022) developed this motivational model of radicalization and it is a theory that is based on the idea that individuals have a need for recognition and positive self-esteem ( Baumeister and Leary, 1995 ). However, certain events can happen in life that challenge this self-view, such as personal or societal grievances.…”