Additional Conceptual Issues: Achievement Motivation, Helplessness, and Egotism

Abstract

In Chapter 10 we presented a theoretical model of the consequences of impediments in self-regulation. In Chapters 11 and 12 we reviewed evidence that indicates the model’s applicability to persistence, performance, and fear-related behaviors. In this chapter, we stand back a bit from our theoretical position and consider its relationship to three other areas of research and theory in personality and social psychology. Inasmuch as many of the applications discussed earlier were to achievement-related behavior, a comparison between our model and theories of achievement motivation would seem to be of interest. Aspects of the achievement literature are discussed in the first section below. A second area in which theories have a conceptual similarity to our own model is the study of human helplessness. Comparison between theories of helplessness and our theory is undertaken in the middle section of the chapter. Finally, we consider a theory which focuses on the assumption that people choose their actions in such a way as to protect and enhance their self-esteem. Though that sort of analysis has quite a different starting point than does our own, there are also important similarities between the two. An examination of these similarities and differences is undertaken in the final section of the chapter.