Life Goals and Well-Being: Are Aspirations Important for Happiness? Cover Image

Životni ciljevi i dobrobit: je li za sreću važno što želimo?
Life Goals and Well-Being: Are Aspirations Important for Happiness?

Author(s): Ingrid Brdar
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Institut društvenih znanosti Ivo Pilar

Summary/Abstract: Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1991; Sheldon & Kasser, 1998), the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic life goals, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and well-being was explored in a sample of 439 freshmen from four different faculties. Three models were examined by structural equation modeling: for goal importance, for present attainment of goals, and for future goals attainment. Specifically, four hypotheses were tested: (1) life goals can be divided into two categories, extrinsic and intrinsic, (2) only intrinsic goals enable satisfaction of basic psychological needs, (3) personal well-being is a direct function of the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and (4) intrinsic goals have an indirect effect on well-being, mediated by satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and extrinsic goals have a direct effect on well-being. The hypothesized relationships were confirmed. The results of the study are consistent with past research and provide support for self-determination theory.

  • Issue Year: 15/2006
  • Issue No: 84+85
  • Page Range: 671-691
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Croatian