Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1995

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Vallacher, Robin R.

Abstract

Two studies tested the optimality hypothesis of action identification theory (Vallacher & Wegner, 1985). This model predicts that personally difficult activities are enjoyed when they are identified in relatively low-level, "how-to" terms, whereas personally easy activities are enjoyed when they are identified in higher level, comprehensive terms. In Study 1, participants (N = 172) attempted to solve either high- or low-difficulty anagrams under various identities for their behavior. In Study 2, expert and novice artists (N = 55) drew a picture under either a high or low identity for the act of drawing. In both studies, results provided support for action identification theory's model of task enjoyment.

Extent

79 p.

Comments

FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1995.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Identifier

FADT15222

Format

pdf

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