Differential Correlates of Positive-Based and Negative-Based Incentives in Motivation

We studied the distinction between two contrasting types of positive incentive value, one type based on approaching positive affect (positive-based value or PBV), the other on avoiding negative affect (negative-based value or NBV). Indices of the two types were highly correlated with each other, but structural equations modeling also suggested different patterns of relationships for the two. NBV increased and PBV decreased when goals were perceived as necessary rather than freely chosen. Frequent prior attainment of a goal was associated with reduced PBV but had no clear relation to NBV. Results were qualified by interactions with motivational orientation of raters, but the NBV—PBV contrast may be functional and may overlap with other theoretical distinctions in the literature.