People translate their intentions into action only ~50% of the time (2024)

Undergraduate: Yifei Pei

Faculty Advisor: Paschal Sheeran
Department: Psychology

---

The present research focuses on investigating the interaction between motivation and psychological arousal in both approach and avoidance goals. The primary objective is to gain unique insights into the roles of energization and tension in moderating the intention-behavior relationship. Drawing from the perspectives of achievement motivation, psychological arousal, and the energization theory of motivation, this project aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the significance of subjective feelings in goal pursuit. Moreover, theories of challenge and threat, as well as regulatory focus theory, are reviewed to contextualize the potential findings of this project, thereby adding to the existing literature on the behavioral implications of these theories. Two studies, one cross-sectional and one longitudinal, were designed to answer the research questions. Ultimately, the findings from the study may offer valuable guidelines for enhancing existing interventions aimed at bridging the intention-behavior gap.