Comments on an article by Rentfrow. The existence of real differences in personality-related characteristics across geographical regions is becoming increasingly clear. The current authors believe that the research reviewed by Rentfrow (September 2010) linking U.S. state averages of self-reported responses to personality surveys to a wide variety…

Uses the thoughts and work of novelist John Irving to illustrate the prominence of non-talent components in the componential model of creativity, explaining that raw talent, clever imagination, and a creative personality are insufficient to ensure creative success and that hard work and love of a craft (intrinsic motivation) are at least as…

Proposes that multiple cognitive and motivational processes moderate the impact of the objective environment on well-being. Explores hedonically relevant psychological processes (social comparison, dissonance reduction, self-reflection, self-evaluation, and personal perception) in chronically happy and unhappy people, noting that they differ…

The author describes his program of research over the past 25 years. This research falls into 6 areas that are interdependent and that inform each other. The overall program is guided by 3 bioecological principles that posit the need for proximal processes and motivation to actualize biological potential. The author presents examples of…

Summarizes 35 years of empirical research on goal-setting theory, describing core findings of the theory, mechanisms by which goals operate, moderators of goal effects, the relation of goals and satisfaction, and the role of goals as mediators of incentives. Explains the external validity and practical significance of goal setting theory,…