Chapter 10: Achievement and The Self: Approach and Avoidance as Self-Growth and Self-Protection

Achievement motivation and achievement goal pursuit are invariably tied to the self. According to the hierarchical model of achievement motivation, achievement goals arise out of, and are distinct from, motive dispositions (Elliot & Church, 1997). The distinction between motives and goals is important to maintain in the conceptual analysis of motivation. Motivation consists of two parts: the energization of behavior and the direction of behavior (Elliot & Covington, 2001). Motives supply the energy of behavior through anticipation of the affect that will be experienced during or after an achievement situation (Elliot, 1997; McClelland, 1951; Murray, 1938), whereas goals provide the specific direction for the motive-derived energy. In other words, motives supply a reason and energy source for behavior (Elliot & Thrash, 2001), while goals supply concrete and specific aims for behavior. Consequently, goals are the proximal influence on behavior (compared to the distal influence of motives).