Positive Emotions and Approach Motivation Facilitate Positive Lifestyle Change

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine if positive affect and approach motivation are conducive to positive lifestyle change. Using an online survey as the method of data collection, 95 participants answered measures on which change they were making, approach, avoidance, affect, self-efficacy, locus of control, and needs. The first hypothesis was that positive affect and approach motivation are conducive to positive change and that negative affect and avoidance were...
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AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine if positive affect and approach motivation are conducive to positive lifestyle change. Using an online survey as the method of data collection, 95 participants answered measures on which change they were making, approach, avoidance, affect, self-efficacy, locus of control, and needs. The first hypothesis was that positive affect and approach motivation are conducive to positive change and that negative affect and avoidance were inversely correlated with positive change. The second hypothesis was that negative variables such as negative affect and avoidance would be found more in those beginning a lifestyle change, and therefore be negatively correlated with stage of change. Sample data from established measures has found that positive affect and approach motivation were significantly correlated with higher effort levels. A more accomplished stage of change was significantly correlated with approach motivation, and not positive affect, partially supporting the main hypothesis. Keywords: Approach-avoidance, lifestyle change,