Research

 

The primary focus of Dr. Elliot's research is on the heirarchical model of approach and avoidance motivation. Professor Elliot examines the antecedents, consequences, and development of achievement motivation and social motivation. He conducts basic, applied, and cross-cultural research in educational and sport contexts. Broadly speaking, Professor Elliot's work focuses on the self, motivation, parenting, achievement, and social connection.

 

Recent Publications

 

• Elliot, A.J., & Reis, H.T. (2003). Attachment and exploration in adulthood. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85,317-331.

• Elliot, A.J., & Thrash, T.M. (2004). The intergenerational transmission of fear of failure. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30, 957-971.
• McGregor, H.A., & Elliot, A.J. (2005). The shame of failure:  Examining the link between fear of failure and shame. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 31, 218-231.
• Elliot, A.J., & Dweck, D.S. (2005). Competence as the Core of Achievement Motivation. Handbook of Competence and Motivation.   NY: Guilford Press
• Elliot, A.J., Shell, M.M., Henry, K., & Maier, M. (2005). Achievement goals, performance contingencies, and performance attainment: An experimental test. Journal of Educational Psychology, 97, 630-640.
• Cury, F., Elliot, A.J., Da Fonseca, D., & Moller, A. (2006). The social-cognitive model of achievement motivation and the 2 x 2 achievement goal framework. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90, 666-679.
• Elliot, A.J., Maier, M.A., Moller, A.C., Friedman, R., & Meinhardt, J. (2007). Color and psychological functioning: The effect of red on performance in achievement contexts. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 136, 154-168.
• Elliot, A.J. (2008). Handbook of approach and avoidance motivation.  Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates

Recent and Current Editorial Positions

 

• Associate Editor, Journal of Personality (2003 - 2006)
• Associate Editor, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (2005 -)
• Editor (Emotion and Motivation Section) Social and Personality Compass (2007-)

 

Recent and Current Graduate Students

 

• Marcy Church - Perceptions of the college classroom and achievement goals (Ph.D. thesis)
• Holly McGregor - Fear of failure and shame (Ph.D. thesis)
• Todd Thrash - Inspiration as a motivational construct (Ph.D. thesis)
• Ron Friedman - The sound of motivation (Ph.D. thesis)
• Arlen Moller - The motivational dynamics of the need to belong (Ph.D. thesis)
• James Fryer (working on Ph.D.)
• Rachael Mapes - The socialization of fear of failure in Japan and the U.S. (Ph.D. thesis)
• Wilbert Law (Master's level)
• Roger Feltman

 

Recent Visitors to the Lab

 

• Dr. Daniela Niesta (Germany)      2005 -
• Dr. Ayumi Tanaka (Japan)           2005 - 2006
• Angelika Meier (Switzerland)        2006
• Dr. Kou Murayama (Japan)          2006 - 2008
• Huijin Liu (China)                        2007
• Mattias Radant (Germany)           2007
• Dr. Julia Schueler (Switzerland)    2007

 

Recent Courses Taught

 

• CSP 553 - Achievement and motivation
• CSP 161 - Social Psychology and Individual Differences

 

Recent Grants

 

• W.T. Grant Faculty Scholars Program
  "Avoidance motivation in children"
  ---1998 to 2003 ($270,000)
• W.T. Grant Foundation
  "Fear of Failure and the Middle School Transition."
  ---2004 to 2007 ($180,000)
• Humboldt Foundation
  "Achievement goals and emotions."
  ---2007 to 2010 ($109,000)

 

Recent Honors and Distinctions

 

• APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Early Career Contributions to Psychology in the area of Personality Psychology. (2001)
• International Society for Self and Identity Early Career Award. (2002)
• Richard Snow Award for Early Career Contributions to Educational Psychology. (2002)
• Fellow status, Society for Personality and Social Psychology. (2004)
• Willem Bessel Research Award (2004)
• Fellow status, American Psychological Association. (2007)