What Matters Most? The Effects of Goal Commitment Claiming Discrimination

Abstract

Three studies explored the possibility that goal activation and goal commitment influenced attributions to discrimination. I hypothesized that some goals would lead to greater claiming of discrimination, while others would lead to less claiming of discrimination, and that this effect would be enhanced as commitment to the goal increased. I found some preliminary evidence supporting this hypothesis. In Study 1, when participants were more committed to being well liked, they reported discrimination less than when less committed to the goal. In Study 2, when participants were more committed to maintaining self-esteem, they claimed discrimination more than when less committed to the goal. Study 3 provided less conclusive evidence to support my hypothesis. Finally, I found that in conditions where participants claimed discrimination more or were expected to claim discrimination more, they also reported greater self-esteem, less anxiety, and less depression.