Self-prospection and energization: The joint influence of time distance and consideration of future consequences |
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Authors: | Elena Stephan Daniella Shidlovski Constantine Sedikides |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel;2. Center for Research on Self and Identity, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK |
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Abstract: | The way people envision their future (self-prospection) plays a key role in the energization required to pursue desired goals. We proposed that energization is determined by time distance from the imagined future-self and the individual’s consideration of future consequences (CFC). We hypothesized that, when imagining their distant (vs. near) future-self, individuals higher on CFC (i.e., those who construe a stronger link between present and future selves), would report greater energization. Participants completed the CFC scale, imagined their distant or near future-self, and reported their energy level. Imagining distant (vs. near) future-self fostered energy among participants higher on CFC (Experiments 1–2), an effect mediated by vividness of self-representations (Experiment 2). Self-prospection has implications for current states, and specifically for felt energy. |
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Keywords: | Self-prospection consideration of future consequences temporal distance future self energization |
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