Résumé
Introduction Recently, Gernigon, Vallacher, and Nowak (2012) theorized goal involvement in achievement contexts as emerging behaviors that can be depicted within a landscape of approach and avoidance attractors, accounted for by the equation: V(x)= kx–½ x2+ ¼ x4. V(x)is the function of the different states xthat the variable under study may adopt and kis a control parameter that specifies the direction and degree of tilt for the potential V(x). The control parameter kresults from a second equation: k= (c× bs) –[ts× (1 –c)], where cis the level of competence expectancies, bsis the potential benefit for the self; and tsis the potential threat for the self.Objectives The purpose ofthis studywas totest whether the control parameter kpredicts ageing people’s involvement in regular physical activity.MethodA sample of 54 elderly persons(14 males, 40 females, Mage= 61.7 ± 2.00)engaged vs. non-‐engaged according to their stage of change for regular physical activity(Bernard et al, 2013) observed the demonstration of a circuit of motor exercises with the perspective of performing it next themselves. Afterwards, they filled in the Achievement Goal Motivational Properties Scale (AGMPS; Gernigon,Montigny, & Klosek, 2013) applied to the goal of performing the circuit.ResultsThe 2 x 2 (M)ANOVAs (Sex x Engagement) and follow-‐up Scheffé tests showed that the engaged group scored higher than the non-‐engaged group onk(p< .01; partial η2= .19), competence expectancies (p<.01; partial η2= .18), and the benefit for the self (p< .05; partial η2= .10).Conclusion The index kpertaining to a specific series of motor tasks, with the largest effect size wasthe best predictor of elderly persons’ involvement in regular physical activity.This finding provides a first evidence for the relevance of Gernigon et al.’s (2012) dynamical model of goal involvement. Furthermore, the dynamical dimension of this model should be tested by testing how goal involvement evolves over time.