Abstract
Empirical research and organismic theories suggest that lower well-being is associated with having extrinsic goals focused on rewards or praise relatively central to one's personality in comparison to intrinsic goals congruent with inherent growth tendencies. In a sample of adult subjects (Study 1), the relative importance and efficacy of extrinsic aspirations for financial success, an appealing appearance, and social recognition were associated with lower vitality and self-actualization and more physical symptoms. Conversely, the relative importance and efficacy of intrinsic aspirations for self-acceptance, affiliation, community feeling, and physical health were associated with higher well-being and less distress. Study 2 replicated these findings in a college sample and extended them to measures of narcissism and daily affect. Three reasons are discussed as to why extrinsic aspirations relate negatively to well-being, and future research directions are suggested.
Keywords
PsychologySocial psychologyPersonalityVitalityFeelingNarcissismWell-beingSocial comparison theoryDevelopmental psychologyPsychotherapist
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Publication Info
- Year
- 1996
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 280-287
- Citations
- 2634
- Access
- Closed
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Cite This
Tim Kasser,
Richard M. Ryan
(1996).
Further Examining the American Dream: Differential Correlates of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Goals.
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
, 22
(3)
, 280-287.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167296223006
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1177/0146167296223006