Executive Summary:
This longitudinal field study examined the influence of goal orientation on both negative emotional reactions to performance feedback and subsequent self-set goal level. After completing an initial performance event and receiving negative performance feedback, learning and proving goal orientations had non-significant relationships with the intensity of negative emotional reactions to feedback. In contrast, an avoiding goal orientation had a positive relationship with the intensity of negative emotional reactions. For a subsequent performance event a month later, we found that goal orientation moderated the relationship of negative emotional reactions and goal setting. Specifically, we found a negative relationship between the intensity of negative emotional reactions and goal level for individuals with a low learning goal orientation. For individuals with a high learning goal orientation, however, the relationship was nonsignificant. Overall, the study findings provide insights on how goal orientation influences initial emotional reactions and subsequent self-regulation in the face of negative performance feedback.
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