Regulatory Focus

Start of Reg focus

Gray, 1990 - the neuropsychology of emotions Three fundamental emotion systems that exist at behavioral, neural, and computational level: BAS, fight/flight, BIS approach and inhibition BIS associated with anxiety and avoidance BAS associated with approach tendencies this theory is the root of approach/avoidance and regulation theories to come.

Regulatory focus theory

Higgins 1997 built off hedonic principle that individuals want to maximize good feelings and avoid the bad, but explains more about the motivational consequences Focus on self regulation toward desired end states Determines the nature and magnitude of people's emotional experiences (Brockner & Higgins, 2001)

Two empirical pieces (one meta) for regulatory focus

Lanaj et al., 2012 reg focus helps get us from distal personality traits to work behaviors as a motivation laden construct. Indirect effects from extra, conscientiousness and neuro to work outcomes through reg focus (work and general Koopman et al 2019 Prom and prev impact exhaustion, and subsequent voice/helping, prevention neg effect reduced by reappraisal.

T/F regulatory focus is a broad socialization construct?

NO, this can be induced temporarily in momentary actions that require it.

How does reg focus relate to emotions?

The NATURE - promotion is on a spectrum of cheerful - dejected. prevention is from quiescence - agitation. The MAGNITUDE of the difference between actual and ideal/ought self determines emotions as well. Brockner & Higgins, 2001

Avoidance/prevention state

focus on responsibilities and safety to avoid undesirable end sates presence/absence of negative stimuli (trying to avoid anticipated pain) safety/protection needs trying to reach the ought self Higgins, 1997

How does reg focus go beyond hedonic principle?

hedonic principle doesn't speak to strategic inclinations people have (something determined by the end state) Hedonic principle doesn't consider the variability in emotions people experience based on success failure of reg focus

In sum: what are the three factors that illustrate difference between promotion and prevention.

o Needs - what needs are you trying to satisfy?. Growth/develop (promotion) safety protection (prev) o Goals/standards - beyond needs, your hopes and wishes for ideal self (promo), vs duties and obligations, responsibilities for ought self (prevent) o Psychological situations - presense/absence positive for promotion (gain/nongain), negative for prevention focused (loss, nonloss). Brockner & Higgins, 2001

Approach/promotion focus

reduce discrepancies between current states and desired end states regarding aspirations and accomplishments presence/absence of positive stimuli (trying to approach anticipated pleasure) growth/development needs trying to reach ideal self Higgins 1997

self-regulation definition

the process in which people seek to align themselves with appropriate goals or standards. The two systems are promotion focus and prevention focus Brockner & Higgins, 2001

Self-regulation definition

the process in which people seek to align themselves with appropriate goals or standards. The two systems are promotion focus and prevention focus Brockner & higgens, 2001