The Essence of Authentic Pursuits: Intrinsic Value-Goal Concordance Matters

Психологические исследования: электронный научный журнал. 2024. Vol. 17. No. 97. Article 7.

Subasi M., Osin E. N.

Goal self-concordance research has significantly grown in the past twenty-five years. Goal self-concordance is described as the congruence between an individual’s underlying values and self-generated goals. The benefits of self-concordant goal selection and pursuit are well-documented. However, current research has not fully explored on whether goal self-concordance represent intrinsic/healthy values such as self-transcendence and openness to change, and whether goal self-concordance mediates the effects of these values in well-being outcomes. This cross-sectional study attempts to address these gaps. A sample of 545 participants were recruited in the study, completing measures assessing personal values, goal self-concordance, need satisfaction, meaning in life, and life satisfaction. Results demonstrate that self-transcendence and openness to change are positively associated with well-being outcomes, and these relationships are significantly mediated by goal self-concordance. The findings provide evidence that the alignment of healthy values and goal self-concordance lead to beneficial outcomes in well-being. The results highlight the significance of value-goal concordance in promoting well-being and offers new avenues for further research on value-driven goal selection and pursuit across diverse populations.

Keywords: subjective well-being, meaning in life, goal self-concordance, healthy values, need satisfaction

Publication based on the results of: Existential foundations of life well-being (2024)