The path taken: Consequences of attaining intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations in post-college life
Niemiec, Christopher P. Ryan, Richard Michael Deci, Edward L.
Niemiec, Christopher P.
Ryan, Richard Michael
Deci, Edward L.
Abstract
Life goals, or aspirations, organize and direct behavior over extended periods of time. The current study, guided by self-determination theory, examined the consequences of pursuing and attaining aspirations over a 1-year period in a post-college sample. Results indicated that placing importance on either intrinsic or extrinsic aspirations related positively to attainment of those goals. Yet, whereas attainment of intrinsic aspirations related positively to psychological health, attainment of extrinsic aspirations did not; indeed, attainment of extrinsic aspirations related positively to indicators of ill-being. Also as predicted, the association between change in attainment of intrinsic aspirations and change in psychological health was mediated by change in the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Discussion focuses on the idea that not all goal attainment is beneficial; rather, attainment of aspirations with different contents relates differentially to psychological health.
Keywords
goal attainment, intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations, need satisfaction, psychological health, self-determination theory
Date
2009
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Research in Personality
Book
Volume
43
Issue
3
Page Range
291-306
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts