“Effort Motivation and Performance Amid Stress and Failures”

Martina Vecchi

University of Southampton

Abstract: Motivation to exert effort and performance in effortful tasks are fundamental determinants of success in various spheres, from financial management to academic and professional achievements. Understanding the factors that influence these components is essential for addressing disparities in outcomes. This study investigates the distinct and combined effects of acute stress and failure on both effort motivation and performance using a behavioural laboratory experiment. Since stress is often driven by the anticipation of failure, it is unclear to what extent stress itself or the realization of failure affect effort. To disentangle these effects, we employ a 2x2 two-session experimental design, where participants are randomly assigned to a stress task in either the first or second session, and to a failure or success feedback condition in the second session. Using a novel method, we elicit effort motivation separately from effort performance. Our results reveal a significant decrease in motivation to engage in real-effort tasks and subsequent effort exertion in a real-effort slider task following instances of failure. Conversely, acute stress does not exhibit a significant impact on effort-related choices.