Career goal engagement following negative feedback: influence of expectancy-value and perceived feedback accuracy

The current study addresses the effects of negative attainability feedback on the shift from engagement to disengagement from a career goal. It was hypothesized that negative attainability feedback regarding study choice may lead to both goal engagement and goal disengagement and that this relation is mediated by self-efficacy, motivational beliefs and by the perceived accuracy of feedback. Results confirmed that negative feedback led to goal disengagement and, to a lesser extent, to continued engagement. Perceived accuracy of feedback was an important mediator, as was motivation. Self-efficacy did not predict either goal management strategy.

Fonteyne, L., Eelbode, A., Lanszweert, I., Roels, E., Schelfhout, S., Duyck, W., & De Fruyt, F. (in press). Career goal engagement following negative feedback: influence of expectancy-value and perceived feedback accuracy. Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance. PDF available here