Goal-directedness and personal identity as correlates of life outcomes

Psychol Rep. 2002 Aug;91(1):153-66. doi: 10.2466/pr0.2002.91.1.153.

Abstract

Although much research has been conducted on goal setting, researchers have not examined goal-directedness or propensity to set goals as a stable human characteristic in adults. In this study, a survey was developed and distributed to 104 adult participants to assess their goal-directedness, personal identity, and various life outcomes. A theoretical model was developed and tested using structural equation modeling that proposed that both goal-directedness and personal identity should positivcly influence important life outcomes. Analysis showed that goal-directedness and personal identity are positively related to personal well-being, salary, and marital satisfaction. Further, personal identity was positively related to job satisfaction but, contrary to related research, goal-directedness did not predict job satisfaction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Goals*
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Self Concept*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires