Conclusions
Based on the empirical evidence from our own past research, we have presented what we believe to be the first synergistic model of motivation and cognition that links individual differences in information processing to individual differences in motivation. This model takes into account not only the informational aspects of situations, such as attaining or maintaining clarity, but the affective components, such as feeling good or bad about the self. Although the empirical data set is primarily in the domain of achievement behavior, we believe it can be extended to most areas of behavior where the role of the self and self-regulation are important. This formulation translates the conceptual meaning of “flow” into specific informational and affective components, and introduces the term “anti-flow” to incorporate the negative state one may go through in matched situations or situations important to the individual. It also suggests when and where the full range of affective consequences of undertaking an activity should occur. Future research testing the model should lead to some exciting discoveries on how and when one thinks, acts, and feels.
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Sorrentino, R.M., Walker, A.M., Hodson, G., Roney, C.J.R. (2001). A Theory of Uncertainty Orientation. In: Efklides, A., Kuhl, J., Sorrentino, R.M. (eds) Trends and Prospects in Motivation Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47676-2_11
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