Goal versus Win Orientation on Maximal Grip Strength

Authors

Cole ThompsonFollow
Wyatt WilsonFollow
Casi Helbig, Texas Lutheran UniversityFollow

Abstract

Competition is a major factor in human effort and performance. In discussing the competitive aspects of achievement, there are two major orientations: goal orientation, involving personal improvement and mastery, and win orientation, in which the competitive endeavor resides in outperforming others and winning. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of goal orientation and win orientation on maximal grip strength performance. METHODS: Twenty-nine college students participated in this study. Each subject performed a pretest with one maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) testing grip strength using a calibrated hand dynamometer for 3-5 seconds to achieve baselines. Next, each participant completed two more trials in both the win orientation and the goal orientation in a randomized order with three-minute rest periods between trials. In the goal orientation condition, participants were shown their own pretest score and asked if they would try to beat it (i.e. self-competition). In the win orientation condition, subjects were given the best pretest score and asked if they could beat it (i.e., other-competition). RESULTS: Mean grip strength was higher in the win orientation condition, M = 94.99, SD = 30.76, compared to the goal orientation condition, M = 92.26, SD = 28.01. A paired t-test revealed a significant difference between conditions (t stat=2.17, p = .04, d = 0.41). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that competitive framing (win orientation) may enhance short-term performance by increasing motivation and focus, while goal orientation may be better suited for sustaining long-term effort and skill development.

Recommended Citation

Thompson, Cole; Wilson, Wyatt; and Helbig, Casi (2026) "Goal versus Win Orientation on Maximal Grip Strength," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 18, Article 139.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/139