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Scaling back goals and recalibration of the affect system are processes in normal adaptive self-regulation: understanding 'response shift' phenomena

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  • Carver, Charles S.
  • Scheier, Michael F.

Abstract

This comment addresses a set of phenomena that have been labeled 'response shift'. We argue that many of these phenomena reflect recalibration of a goal-seeking system and an affect-management system, both of which are involved in normal adaptive self-regulation. In brief, we hold that these systems act as feedback control mechanisms. The reference values for both systems continuously undergo gradual recalibration. Because in most circumstances the adjustments tend to occur with equivalent frequency in both directions, their cumulative effect is minimal. In situations of either unusually prolonged goal attainment (and overattainment) or unusually prolonged adversity (as occurs, e.g., with deteriorating health), the cumulative effect can be substantial. We believe that these latter recalibrations of reference value account for many response shift phenomena. Other such phenomena are accounted for by the principle of hierarchical organization among the self-regulatory goals that comprise the self.

Suggested Citation

  • Carver, Charles S. & Scheier, Michael F., 2000. "Scaling back goals and recalibration of the affect system are processes in normal adaptive self-regulation: understanding 'response shift' phenomena," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 50(12), pages 1715-1722, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:50:y:2000:i:12:p:1715-1722
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sitzmann, Traci & Bell, Bradford S., 2017. "The dynamic effects of subconscious goal pursuit on resource allocation, task performance, and goal abandonment," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 1-14.
    2. Silu Chen & Yu Zhang & Lili Liang & Tao Shen, 2021. "Does Paradoxical Leadership Facilitate Leaders’ Task Performance? A Perspective of Self-Regulation Theory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-16, March.
    3. M. Hanssen & L. Vancleef & J. Vlaeyen & A. Hayes & E. Schouten & M. Peters, 2015. "Optimism, Motivational Coping and Well-being: Evidence Supporting the Importance of Flexible Goal Adjustment," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(6), pages 1525-1537, December.
    4. Sharpe, Louise & Curran, Leah, 2006. "Understanding the process of adjustment to illness," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(5), pages 1153-1166, March.
    5. Jekaterina Rogaten & Giovanni Moneta & Marcantonio Spada, 2013. "Academic Performance as a Function of Approaches to Studying and Affect in Studying," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(6), pages 1751-1763, December.
    6. Dibb, Bridget & Yardley, Lucy, 2006. "How does social comparison within a self-help group influence adjustment to chronic illness? A longitudinal study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(6), pages 1602-1613, September.

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