NAFE Pattern Theory: A New Framework for Understanding Motivational Change
In recent years, the field of psychology has seen an increased interest in understanding how motivation changes over time. To date, most approaches to understanding motivational change have been based on the traditional theories of motivation, such as expectancy-value theory or self-determination theory. However, a new framework, NAFE Pattern Theory, has recently been proposed by researchers as a way to better understand the dynamics of motivational change. This article provides an overview of NAFE Pattern Theory and its implications for understanding motivational change.
NAFE Pattern Theory was initially proposed by Cohen and colleagues in 2019 as a way to understand how motivation changes in the context of goal pursuit. The theory posits that motivation can be characterized by three distinct patterns of change: a baseline, an acceleration, and a deceleration. The baseline pattern is characterized by a steady level of motivation, which is assumed to remain relatively constant over time. The acceleration pattern is characterized by an increase in motivation as progress toward a goal is made. Finally, the deceleration pattern is characterized by a decrease in motivation as the goal is approached.
The theory further posits that these patterns are related to the individual’s perceived progress toward the goal, their level of goal commitment, and their experience of goal-related emotions. For example, the baseline pattern is thought to be associated with a lack of commitment to the goal or a sense of ambivalence. The acceleration pattern is thought to be associated with a strong commitment to the goal and a sense of increasing confidence as progress is made. Finally, the deceleration pattern is thought to be associated with a decrease in goal commitment or a sense of ambivalence as the goal is approached.
The implications of NAFE Pattern Theory for understanding motivational change are far-reaching. First, it provides a novel way to understand how motivation changes over time in the context of goal pursuit. Second, it suggests that different patterns of motivation may be related to different levels of goal commitment and different goal-related emotions. Finally, it provides a framework for understanding how interventions designed to promote goal pursuit and goal attainment may impact motivation over time.
Overall, NAFE Pattern Theory offers a new perspective on the dynamics of motivational change that can be used to better inform research and practice. By understanding the patterns of motivational change that characterize goal pursuit, researchers and practitioners may be better able to identify interventions that can promote successful goal attainment.
References
Cohen, D., Gollwitzer, P. M., & Oettingen, G. (2019). NAFE pattern theory: A new framework for understanding motivational change in the pursuit of goals. Psychological Review, 126(3), 241-260.
Gollwitzer, P. M., & Oettingen, G. (2012). Strategies of setting and implementing goals. In J. Heckhausen & C. S. Dweck (Eds.), Motivation and self-regulation across the life span (pp. 231-250). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
Oettingen, G., & Gollwitzer, P. M. (2019). Mental contrasting and its self-regulatory consequences. In M. Frese & J. Jermier (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of self-regulation (pp. 541-561). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.