Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Saef, Rachel
Degree Name
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Legacy Department
Department of Psychology
Abstract
This dissertation examines how leaders psychologically interpret developmental challenges as threats or challenges, and how these interpretations shape engagement. Furthermore, I propose that these processes are shaped by mastery-approach and mastery avoidance orientations. Study 1 manipulated the presence of developmental challenges to test causal pathways. Results indicated that developmental challenges increased threat appraisal but not challenge appraisal, and threat was negatively associated with absorption. Study 2 found the opposite pattern: challenge appraisal, not threat appraisal, explained engagement. Relative importance analysis showed that challenge appraisal accounted for nearly all explained variance in engagement (97.6%). There was no significant moderation of mastery goal orientations across either study. Together, the findings demonstrate that developmental challenges are not inherently beneficial. Their outcomes depend on how they are appraised, such that when they are viewed as opportunities for growth they energize leaders; and when viewed as threats, they may hinder engagement.
Recommended Citation
Broucher, Haleigh, "Rise or Retreat: The Role of Appraisal and Goal Orientations in Leader Engagement" (2025). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 8147.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/8147
Extent
171 pages
Language
en
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
