@article { , title = {The effects of current unsatisfactory performance and evaluative approach on improvement expectancy and commitment to improvement.}, abstract = {This study investigated the effects of current unsatisfactory performance (CUP) on improvement expectancy (IE) and commitment to improvement (CTI). 118 high school students were randomly assigned to consider either current satisfactory performance (CSP) or CUP. In addition, students within each group were randomly assigned to one of two evaluative approaches: 1) dichotomous present-focused evaluation ('Are you succeeding in this area? Or not?'), or 2) historical success scaling ('What is the highest level of success that you have reached in this area?'). It was hypothesised that (relative to CSP) CUP has a negative effect on improvement expectancy (IE). This hypothesis was supported. In addition, the data were consistent with an inconsistent mediation hypothesis according to which CUP has a positive direct effect on CTI but a negative indirect effect through reduced IE. The indirect effect of CUP on CTI was expected to be less negative amongst students engaging in historical success scaling than amongst students engaging in dichotomous present-focused evaluation. Although this was indeed the case, a test of moderated mediation indicated that the conditional indirect effects did not differ statistically. The study helps to illuminate the conflicting effects of CUP on CTI. Findings also have important implications for cognitive-behavioural and solution-focused approaches, both of which champion 'scaling'.}, doi = {10.1007/s11031-021-09864-8}, eissn = {1573-6644}, issn = {0146-7239}, issue = {2}, journal = {Motivation and emotion}, note = {INFO COMPLETE (Now published, checked and updated 18/5/2021 LM; Online First 22/3/2021 LM; Info via contact of acceptance 12/1/2021 LM) PERMISSION GRANTED (version = VOR; embargo = none; licence = BY; SHERPA = https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/id/publication/17423 ) DOCUMENT READY (VOR downloaded 18/5/2021 LM; AAM rec'd from contact, to be replaced with VOR when available 12/1/2021 LM) ADDITIONAL INFO - Contact: Ruth Woods; Adam Abdulla (check again when updating as Adam not listed on Worktribe yet 21/1/2021 LM)}, pages = {159-170}, publicationstatus = {Published}, publisher = {Springer}, url = {https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1106645}, volume = {45}, keyword = {Unsatisfactory performance, Improvement expectancy, Commitment, School students, Expectancy, Inconsistent mediation, Performance heuristic}, year = {2021}, author = {Abdulla, Adam and Woods, Ruth} }