Competence striving in the bedroom: applying the 2 × 2 achievement goal model to sex
摘要
Achievement goals are theoretically applicable in any and all competence-relevant domains, but they have primarily been studied in school, sport, and work contexts. The present research extends the 2 × 2 achievement goal model to the domain of sex. In two studies (N = 1,964), the Sex Achievement Goal Questionnaire (SAGQ) was developed, and the 2 × 2 sex achievement goals were examined as they relate to various antecedents and outcomes. Factor analyses supported the 2 × 2 model of achievement goals in this domain, and this model demonstrated configural invariance across both sex and relationship status. Regression analyses indicated that performance-approach goals had a highly positive nomological network, mastery-approach and mastery-avoidance goals generally had a positive nomological network, and performance-avoidance goals had a decidedly negative antecedent and outcome profile. Overall, this research highlights the ubiquity of competence-striving and emphasizes the 2 × 2 framework’s broad applicability. Additionally, these studies demonstrate the importance of goals in the domain of sex, as they relate to sexual functioning, well-being, and behavior.