Publication Date
2008-12-14
Availability
Open access
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Department
Educational and Psychological Studies (Education)
Date of Defense
2008-11-21
First Committee Member
Blaine Fowers - Committee Chair
Second Committee Member
Ray Winters - Committee Member
Third Committee Member
Kent Burnett - Committee Member
Fourth Committee Member
Margaret Crosbie-Burnett - Committee Member
Abstract
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) research on goal pursuit indicates that people with intrinsic goal pursuits experience greater well-being than those with extrinsic goal pursuits. Three nutriments have been suggested by SDT that facilitate intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence and relatedness. These nutriments, considered social conditions by SDT, have been understudied. However, recent SDT research and the small literature on goal support in relationships suggest that social aspects of goal pursuit are quite relevant and warrant further investigation. This study examined interpersonal dimensions of goal pursuit including Goal Support, Shared Goals, Communal Strength and Generativity. This interpersonal cluster was examined in the context of "active involvement with others" in order to enrich our understanding of the link between goal pursuit and psychological well-being. This study was the first to explore these interpersonal dimensions of goal pursuit and well-being in the context of SDT. Correlations explored the relationships among the interpersonal dimensions and regression analyses were used to explore moderating effects the interpersonal dimensions had on the relationship between self-concordant (intrinsic/extrinsic) goal pursuit and well-being. Shared goal orientation was the only dimension to act as a moderator. Implications include continuing to identify the active role of others in one's goal pursuits and adding further understanding to the relationship between goal pursuit and well-being.
Keywords
Moderation; Buffer; Simple Slope Analysis
Recommended Citation
Mollica, Christine, "Interpersonal Dimensions of Goal Pursuit: Goal Support, Shared Goals, Communal Strength, and Generativity in Relationship to Self-Determination Theory" (2008). Open Access Dissertations. 179.
https://scholarlyrepository.miami.edu/oa_dissertations/179