Value From Hedonic Experience and Engagement Seminar

Recognizing that value involves experiencing pleasure or pain is critical to understanding the psychology of value. But hedonic experience is not enough. I will present a new theory which proposes that strength of engagement also contributes to experienced value through its contribution to the experience of motivational force-- an experience of the intensity of the force of attraction to or repulsion from the value target. The subjective pleasure/pain properties of a value target influence strength of engagement, but there are factors separate from the hedonic properties of the value target that also influence engagement strength and thus contribute to the experience of attraction or repulsion. These additional sources of engagement strength include using the right or proper means of goal pursuit, and regulatory fit between the orientation and manner of goal pursuit. Implications of the contribution of engagement strength to value are discussed for judgment and decision making, persuasion, and emotional experiences.