TY - JOUR
T1 - On the meaningfulness of behavior
T2 - An expectancy x value approach
AU - van Tilburg, Wijnand A.P.
AU - Igou, Eric R.
PY - 2013/9
Y1 - 2013/9
N2 - Our research examines people's concept of 'meaningful behavior' from an expectancy x value perspective. Specifically, we argue that people consider two elements when inferring the meaningfulness of behavior: the value of the goals that the behavior relates to and the degree to which the behavior is useful for the achievement of these goals. A series of five studies demonstrates that behavior is considered to be 'meaningful' if it is highly instrumental for a highly valued goal. Our expectancy x value approach offers a straightforward yet crucial perspective of how people infer whether or not everyday life behaviors are meaningful to them. The implications of our findings for research on meaningfulness, meaning-regulation, and sense making are discussed.
AB - Our research examines people's concept of 'meaningful behavior' from an expectancy x value perspective. Specifically, we argue that people consider two elements when inferring the meaningfulness of behavior: the value of the goals that the behavior relates to and the degree to which the behavior is useful for the achievement of these goals. A series of five studies demonstrates that behavior is considered to be 'meaningful' if it is highly instrumental for a highly valued goal. Our expectancy x value approach offers a straightforward yet crucial perspective of how people infer whether or not everyday life behaviors are meaningful to them. The implications of our findings for research on meaningfulness, meaning-regulation, and sense making are discussed.
KW - Instrumentality
KW - Meaning
KW - Self-regulation
KW - Value
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84881262954&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11031-012-9316-3
DO - 10.1007/s11031-012-9316-3
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84881262954
SN - 0146-7239
VL - 37
SP - 373
EP - 388
JO - Motivation and Emotion
JF - Motivation and Emotion
IS - 3
ER -