Motivation, Emotion, and Cognition : Integrative Perspectives On Intellectual Functioning and Development

2002). Two of these factors integrate aspects of emotion, cognition and moti-

vation. Task engagement relates to energy (affect), concentration (cognition),

and two aspects of task motivation, and may represent a broad approach ten-

dency. Distress relates to tension, low hedonic tone (affect), confidence, and

perceived control (cognition). It may also relate to avoidance motivation, but

this element of state has yet to be operationalized. The third factor, worry, re-

lates exclusively to cognitive states of self-focus, low self-esteem, and interfer-

ing thoughts. These factors explained approximately 80% of the reliable vari-

ance in the primary factors.

Processes Supporting Adaptation

The psychometric evidence suggests that emotional and motivational states

are closely intertwined with cognition. However, the factor analyses are not

informative about the self-regulative processes assumed to generate these

states. Figure 6.6 shows how we conceptualize self-regulation in performance

environments. In line with transactional theories of stress and emotion (Laz-

arus, 1993), we assume a dynamic interplay between the person and situa-

tional demands (see Fig. 6.6). First, the person acts on the environment

6. TRAITS, STATES, AND INTELLECTUAL FUNCTIONING 161

TABLE 6.3

Three Fundamental Stress State Syndromes

Task Engagement Distress Worry

Scales Energetic arousal Tense arousal Self-consciousness
Motivation (interest) Low hedonic tone Low self-esteem
Motivation (success) Low confidence-control Cog. Interference (task-related)
Concentration Cog. Interference (personal
concerns)

FIG. 6.6. Dynamic interaction between person and environment during task

performance.