DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/6XDJ-0987
Defense Date
2012
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Counseling Psychology
First Advisor
Everett Jr Worthington
Abstract
The study of inspiration as a psychological construct has received little empirical attention to date. In the present dissertation, I review the empirical literature on inspiration and present a theoretical model and definition of inspiration. In two studies, I tested a Value-Congruent Model of Inspiration and my proposed definition. In Study 1 (N = 134), I explored inspiration’s emotional correlates and tested whether individuals experience greater inspiration if the inspirational content is concordant with individual meaning and values. As predicted, state inspiration was positively related to state levels of admiration, awe, and elevation, and value-congruent stimuli significantly predicted self-reported experiences of inspiration. In Study 2 (N = 173), I replicated these results and tested whether value-congruent inspiration would predict behavioral intentions and volunteering behavior toward environmental preservation. The adapted measure of self-concordance for internalized values did not yield the predicted results. However, one’s level of commitment to the environment predicted willingness to sacrifice for the environment, which was partially mediated by state inspiration.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
December 2012