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- Title
Pursuit of Goals in the Search for Happiness: A Mixed-Method Multidimensional Study of Well-Being.
- Authors
Martinez, Christy Teranishi; McGath, Nena N.; Williams, Kali C.
- Abstract
Although accomplishing life's goals is important for flourishing, well-being may vary depending on the type of goals and developmental stage. Participants were asked to choose a goal aimed at enhancing their happiness. The present study examined the extent to which goal type (altruistic, individualistic) and age group (emerging adult, adult) had an impact on 5 elements of well-being (PERMA: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning-making, and accomplishments; Seligman, 2011) between Time 1 and Time 2 of a 6-week happiness project. Forty-one participants between the ages of 19 and 65 (27 women, 14 men, Mage = 28.71, SD = 10.78) completed pre- and post-assessment online surveys. A 2 x 2 x 2 mixed-model analysis of variance was conducted for each domain of well-being. Contrary to hypotheses, engagement, F(1, 37) = 8.21, p = .007, generalized 2 = .09, and meaning-making, F(1, 37) = 35.85, p = .001, generalized 2 = .33, decreased from Time 1 to Time 2, whereas positive emotions, relationships, and accomplishments did not change. Overall, adults reported having greater relational support than emerging adults, F(1, 37) = 4.39, p = .043, generalized 2 = .05, whereas emerging adults with altruistic goals were happier and had more relational support than those with individualistic goals, F(1, 37) = 7.80, p = .047, X² = .15 and F(1, 37) = 10.99, p = .002, X² = .23, respectively. Journal reflections provided deeper insight into how goals contributed to relationships and spirituality. Qualitative analyses revealed that goals improved relationships by promoting mindfulness, having a positive impact on others, and enhancing communication, and it fostered meaning-making by enhancing self-actualization with feelings of increased awareness, recognition of self-action, and the discovery of purpose through goals. Findings underscore the importance of examining a multidimensional model of well-being that varies over time in relation to goals and aspirations that develop throughout the lifespan.
- Subjects
GOAL (Psychology); YOUNG adults; HAPPINESS; WELL-being; AGE groups
- Publication
Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 2020, Vol 25, p245
- ISSN
2164-8204
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.24839/2325-7342.JN25.3.245