Measuring approach-avoidance motivation: Expanding dimensionality through implied outcomes

•4-Dimensional approach-avoidance with clearly specified outcomes is optimal.•Non-gains via approach and non-losses via avoidance expands the construct space.•Contamination by implied outcomes does not invalidate approach-avoidance scales.•An “effective avoidance” orientation significantly/uniquely predicts job performance.

The current study tested the validity of a novel four-dimensional model of approach-avoidance, whereby both approach motivation and avoidance motivation are measured in relation to both implied success and implied failure. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the validity of the proposed framework and the use of items with clearly implied outcomes. Furthermore, newly developed scales reflecting constructs representing increasing non-gains via approach and increasing non-losses via avoidance meaningfully expanded the approach-avoidance construct space. The current study also suggested contamination by implied outcomes does not invalidate approach-avoidance scales where reward/punishment context is specified. Finally, results indicated assessing an “effective avoidance” motivational orientation significantly and uniquely predict overall job performance.