Publication Date

2017-10-16

Availability

Open access

Embargo Period

2017-10-16

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Department

Educational and Psychological Studies (Education)

Date of Defense

2017-08-23

First Committee Member

Blaine J. Fowers, Ph.D.

Second Committee Member

Laura Kohn-Wood, Ph.D.

Third Committee Member

Debbiesiu Lee, Ph.D.

Fourth Committee Member

Michael McCullough, Ph.D.

Abstract

This study utilized Eudaimonic Theory (ET), an Aristotelian perspective on humanflourishing (eudaimonia), to explore new eudaimonic goal hierarchy hypotheses. The ET model distinguishes between two types of well-being: Eudaimonic Well-Being (EWB) and Hedonic Well-Being (HWB), and two dimensions of goal pursuit: the Communal Dimension and the Agency Dimension. HWB refers to experiencing high positive affect, low negative affect and high life satisfaction. EWB is assessed through factors such as purpose, personal growth and positive relationships giving. The Communal Dimension refers to a distinction between individual goals, which can only be pursued by one person and shared goals, which are completely collective accomplishments. The Agency Dimension refers to a distinction between Instrumental Goals, in which the means and ends are separable, and Constitutive Goals, in which means constitute the ends. This study used SEM and was the first to empirically test Agency, Communion, and Well-Being relationships simultaneously. Extending earlier findings, EWB related to both Instrumental and Constitutive Goal Pursuit for Interpersonal Goals; while for Individual Goals, HWB related to Instrumental and Constitutive Goal Pursuit. Shared Goal Orientation significantly related to HWB for Individual Goals but not to EWB for Interpersonal Goals. Contrary to hypothesis, Shared Goal Orientation did not augment the relationships between either Instrumental Goal Pursuit and HWB, or Constitutive Goal Pursuit and EWB. Results suggest that Agency and Communion have some additive but no multiplicative effects on Well-Being.

Keywords

eudaimonia; well-being; goal pursuit; eudaimonic well-being; hedonic well-being; good life

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