Situational constraints: their measurement and role in a dynamic model of performance

Abstract

Research on situational constraints has overlooked a number of important issues relevant to the generalizability of current findings, including the construct validity of current constraint measures, and an account of the role coping might play in mitigating the effects of constraints. Data from a two-wave panel design with college students as participants was used to investigate the above issues. The data indicated that the current conceptualization and measurement of constraints seems suitable to the task of testing substantive hypotheses. Furthermore, constraints measured with reference to a specific performance domain had greater predictive validity than those representing a general performance domain. The data did not support the contention that problem-focused coping and the perceived controllability of constraints would interact in the prediction of constraints, satisfaction, and performance. Several alternative explanations for the latter findings are offered. Finally, a number of suggestions for the conduct of future research using constraint, controllability, and coping constructs are outlined.