Original scientific paper
Life Goals and Well-Being: Are Aspirations Important for Happiness?
Ingrid Brdar
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.
Keywords
life goals; extrinsic and intrinsic goals; well-being; psychological needs; Self-Determination Theory
Hrčak ID:
10871
URI
Publication date:
31.10.2006.
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