Perceived Task Value as a Moderator of LH Effects

Abstract

Individual differences in the perceived value of failure may increase accuracy in predicting reactions to helplessness training. In a task situation, people may analyze the personal consequences of success and failure in the task—the extent to which the outcomes affect the attainment of important personal goals and the confirmation of central self-representations. This knowledge has a motivational significance: It determines the extent to which people commit themselves to a task and the amount of effort they will be willing to expend on coping actions after failure. If task outcomes are appraised as having no relevance for personal goals and self-identity, there will not be any commitment or coping activity; if outcomes are seen to be relevant, one or another coping action will be undertaken, depending on the expectancy of control.