GOAL-DIRECTED EMOTIONS

This research explores the role of emotions in goal-directed behaviour . A model is provided for an emotional goal system whereby appraisals of the consequences of achieving or not achieving a goal are hypothesi sed to elicit anticipatory emotions; the anticipatory emotions are exp ected, in turn, to contribute to volitions in the service of goal purs uit (namely, intentions, plans, and the decision to expend energy); go al-directed behaviours next arise in response to volitions and lead to goal attainment; and the latter then functions as the basis for a new set of appraisals and accompanying goal-outcome emotions. The model w as tested in a longitudinal study of the responses of 406 adults (243 women, 163 men) in The Netherlands. The context for the study was the regulation of one's bodyweight via exercising and dieting.