Moving Beyond Discrepancies: The Importance of Velocity as a Predictor of Satisfaction and Motivation

Adopting a control theory framework, the authors tested a dynamic perspective which suggests that satisfaction and motivation during goal-striving depends not only on discrepancies (i.e., differences between current and desired states) but also on velocities (i.e., rates at which discrepancies change over time). Two studies with different approaches and methodologies were conducted and support was found for the primary hypothesis that velocity information predicts affective and cognitive reactions incremental to discrepancy information. In addition, a Discrepancy × Velocity interaction influenced task satisfaction, success expectancy, and goal commitment. Results are discussed in relation to the broader context of self-regulation.