Effects of Competitive Environment and Outcome on Achievement Behaviors and Well-Being While Engaged in a Physical Task

Grounded in achievement goal theory (Nicholls, 1989), the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different aspects of situational achievement goal emphases and competitive outcome on achievement striving (effort and objective performance) and indices of psychological well-being (interest and vitality). Participants were 104 undergraduate students (M age = 20.38) randomly assigned to 4 experimental contrasts: task or ego-involving goal instructions were crossed with feedback that the participants had won or lost 2 consecutive 8-min cycling trials. Overall, results showed support for the dichotomous achievement goal framework in which under ego involvement, low perceptions of ability have a negative effect on achievement striving and well-being.