Fear of Success: Attribution of Cause to the Victim

Abstract

Theory and research on the psychological construct of "fear of success" is reviewed in the context of Horner's original (1968) formulation of the motive. Both the validity and the reliability of the original measure are questioned in the light of the weakness of empirical support. T h e findings of subsequent research are organized in terms of what they contribute to a situational rather than a motivational interpretation of the data. Implications of these different views of the achievement behavior of females for changes in sex-role socialization are discussed. 63 64 JOHN CONDRY AND SHARON DYER 2. The motive is much more common in women than men. 3. It is probably not equally important for all women. FOS should be more strongly aroused in women who are highly motivated to achieve and/or who are highly able (e.g., who aspire to and/or are readily capable of achieving success). 4. It is more strongly aroused in competitive achievement situations than where competition is directed against an impersonal standard.

The Myth of Female Underachievement: A Reexamination of Sex Differences in Academic Underachievement

“…The findings regarding females' lower rate of underachievement also support studies that have noted that women value achievement more highly than men (Lueptow, 1980), are motivated to achieve "in activities that are culturally defined as feminine" (Stein & Bailey, 1975, p. 153), and do not show a "motive to avoid success" in areas that are acceptable for women to enter (Condry & Dyer, 1976). Getting good grades may be acceptable feminine behavior and a safe area for women to act on their achievement-oriented values.…”

Competitiveness among females and males in physical activity classes

“…Horner (1968) proposed a "fear-of-success" construct, described as fear of the negative consequences of achievement, particularly social rejection, to account for sex differences in achievement motivation. Subsequent research (e.g., Condry & Dyer, 1976;Tresemer, 1977) raised doubts about Horner's construct and measure, but research has continued to document sex differences in achievement motivation and behaviors.…”

Achievement motivation: A dual modality

“…She generalized these results to the broader domain of adult achievement patterns including career aspirations. Subsequent research and theoretical analysis have not substantiated these conclusions (Condry & Dyer, 1976). Thus, despite initial support and widespread enthusiasm, the fear-of-success model as conceptualized by Horner has not clarified our understanding of female achievement behavior.…”