Effects of Deliberative and Implemental Mindsets on Persistence in Goal-Directed Behavior

Abstract

In three experiments with a total of 243 students, the hypothesis was tested that mindsets affect goal-directed persistence in behavioral conflict situations. In Studies 1 and 2, an implemental mindset led to higher persistence as compared with a deliberative mindset in solving a puzzle or playing a computer game, respectively, when the characteristics of the task implied a behavioral conflict (i.e., when perceived desirability was low and perceived feasibility was high, or vice versa).No differences were found when the desirability and feasibility of the task were both low or both high. In Study 3, it was demonstrated that, depending on the functional value of persistence in the given situation, the implemental mindset leads to lower persistence compared with the deliberative mindset. These findings are interpreted to mean that the implemental mindset is a self-regulatory mechanism that permits a flexible response to the demands of a particular situation.