Publication Date
2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Committee Members
Debra Steele-Johnson, Ph.D. (Advisor); Nathan Bowling, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Joan Rentsch, Ph.D. (Committee Member); Corey Miller, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the role of self-regulatory mechanisms when predicting mind wandering. I collected data from a sample of undergraduate psychology students (N = 168) and full-time workers (N = 660). The hypothesized model did not produce acceptable fit. However, through alternative model testing, I discovered a well-fitting model of self-regulatory predictors of mind wandering. These results contributed to the literature by providing evidence that motivational mechanisms significantly predict mind wandering in both student and work contexts and raise issues relating to 1) the uni- versus multi-dimensionality of approach and avoid-motivational temperaments, 2) distinctions between goal level, goal commitment, and other motivational variables, and 3) the need to integrate motivational mechanisms and predictors into existing models of mind wandering.
Page Count
136
Department or Program
Department of Psychology
Year Degree Awarded
2021
Copyright
Copyright 2021, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
