Strategies of Setting and Implementing Goals: Mental Contrasting and Implementation Intentions

Question 1

List and describe the three modes of self-regulatory thought from the Model of Fantasy Realization. Which is the most effective means of goal achievement?

Answer 1

Mental contrasting: mentally contrasting a desired furutre with the reality that impedes its realization (obstacles). This is the most effective means of goal achievement because it helps individuals further understand feasibility and decide whether to commit.

Indulging: only focusing on positive future events

Dwelling: focusing only on a negative reality

Question 2

Describe how MCII (mental contrasting and implementation intentions) can be used in a therapeutic context to help people achieve their goals.

Answer 2

MCII can be helpful for clients when completing tasks that often provoke decreases in self-efficacy. For example, taking an IQ test often causes feelings of low self-esteem. Clients can be instructed to use “if, then” plans to address these negative feelings (e.g., “If I encounter a difficult test item, I will tell myself, “I can solve it”’). In addition, MCII can be used to work toward emotion regulation goals. For example, MCII has been shown helpful in treating phobias and has resulted in a weakened fear response. Lastly, MCII is effective in helping people overcome bad habits, which are a common presenting concern in therapeutic contexts.