When goal sharing produces support that is not caring

Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2011 May;37(5):662-73. doi: 10.1177/0146167211399926. Epub 2011 Mar 7.

Abstract

Four studies used experimental and correlational methods to investigate the effect of a "partner-achievement goal," or a personal goal for a relationship partner's successful achievement. This goal led support providers to offer unhelpful support about how to play a computer game (Study 1). It also predicted poor achievement for dieting support recipients (Study 2). The effects of partner-achievement goals were moderated by recipient expectations of success and mediated by recipient effort. Recipients with low expectations of their own success requested that their provider partners with partner-achievement goals refrain from offering them support (Study 3); they also invested less time studying Latin grammar and learned fewer Latin words over one week (Study 4). Together, these findings highlight the unique behavioral consequences of partner-achievement goals for both members of a relationship.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Female
  • Goals*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Social Support
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • Young Adult