When the going gets tough, the tough get going: The effects of determination and pride on task engagement

Abstract

Most theories of emotion distinguish negative emotions and generalize positive emotions. However, appraisal theory differentiates among emotions by describing the distinctive feelings, goals, thoughts, and action tendencies associated with each unique emotion. To determine whether discrete positive emotions are distinguishable, we observed how determination and pride differentially impact perseverance and task engagement. We hypothesized that the experience of determination would enhance engagement, whereas pride would decrease engagement. Using a directed imagery task followed by a mathematical problem-solving task, our results supported this hypothesis. The Determination group spent more time on one of the most difficult problems in the task. In contrast, the Pride group spent less time on the same problem. Although we found overlap in the ways determination and pride impact appraisals related to engagement, the present study rejects the notion that all positive emotions are generally the same.