Part of the Goal disruption theory: Theoretical advances and empirical support Symposium Chaired by Jason T. Siegel

Synopsis

Goal disruption theory (GDT) provides insight into when goal expectancy violations are most likely to cause psychological disequilibrium and the breadth of adaptive responses that occur as a result. Constructs that influence whether a goal expectancy violation will cause psychological disequilibrium include unexpectedness, violation imprint, expectation strength, and the current state of the person. Goal disruption theory posits that when a goal expectation violation causes psychological disequilibrium, system-wide adaptive changes occur; these changes are categorized into five 5 different categories (i.e., ability, disposition, allocation of resources, processing and perception, and tactics). While these automatic changes can be useful, and even lifesaving, in some contexts, these changes can also lead people to engage in seemingly irrational behavior. This symposium will provide an extensive presentation of GDT and provide empirical support for numerous components of the framework.

The first set of studies investigates the catalyst of a goal disruption. Four experiments showed that factors of the goal violation (i.e., greater unexpectedness & larger violations), and personality factors (i.e., an aversion to uncertainty & aversion to uncertainty) led people to report more severe disruptions. The next set of studies assessed the influence of a goal disruption on all five categories of adaptive change posited by GDT: ability, disposition, allocation of resources, processing and perception, and tactics. The third presentation highlights the applied utility of GDT by illustrating the ways in which the cognitive processes experienced during disruption are akin to that of intoxication. Findings showed that during disruption, participants experienced a hyper-focus on their goal, showing strong goal commitment regardless of their expectation of success. The final presentation further highlights the applied utility of GDT. In the context of prescription drug use, three studies found that experiencing an unexpected goal violation led to increased intentions to use prescription drugs, but that this relationship is mediated by psychological disequilibrium and increased willingness to endure purposive harm.