Features of Multifinality

Arie W. Kruglanski; Catalina Köpetz; Jocelyn J. Bélanger; Woo Young Chun; Edward Orehek; Ayelet Fishbach

doi:10.1177/1088868312453087

Features of Multifinality

Arie W. Kruglanski, Catalina Köpetz, Jocelyn J. Bélanger, Woo Young Chun, Edward Orehek, Ayelet Fishbach

Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Diverse facets of the multifinality configuration in goal-directed behavior are identified and empirically explored. The multifinality construct denotes a motivational structure wherein a single means is linked to several ends. A multifinality configuration maximizes value that a given means promises to deliver while sacrificing expectancy of attainment due to a dilution effect. Several phenomena implied by multifinality theory are investigated, including an unconscious quest for multifinal means, the constraints that such quest imposes on means to a focal goal, and structural conditions under which an activity may be experienced as intrinsically motivated. Multifinality phenomena appear in numerous domains of social cognition, and the present theory offers a novel perspective on classic motivational effects.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	22-39
Number of pages	18
Journal	Personality and Social Psychology Review
Volume	17
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868312453087
State	Published - Feb 2013

Keywords

goals
means
motivation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Social Psychology

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10.1177/1088868312453087

Cite this

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abstract = "Diverse facets of the multifinality configuration in goal-directed behavior are identified and empirically explored. The multifinality construct denotes a motivational structure wherein a single means is linked to several ends. A multifinality configuration maximizes value that a given means promises to deliver while sacrificing expectancy of attainment due to a dilution effect. Several phenomena implied by multifinality theory are investigated, including an unconscious quest for multifinal means, the constraints that such quest imposes on means to a focal goal, and structural conditions under which an activity may be experienced as intrinsically motivated. Multifinality phenomena appear in numerous domains of social cognition, and the present theory offers a novel perspective on classic motivational effects.",

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note = "Funding Information: The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This article was supported by National Science Foundation Grant 0314291/0313483 to Arie W. Kruglanski. ",

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AU - Kruglanski, Arie W.

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AU - Bélanger, Jocelyn J.

AU - Chun, Woo Young

AU - Orehek, Edward

AU - Fishbach, Ayelet

N1 - Funding Information: The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This article was supported by National Science Foundation Grant 0314291/0313483 to Arie W. Kruglanski.

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Features of Multifinality

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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