Further Examining the American Dream: Differential Correlates of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Goals

作者：Tim Kasser, Richard M. Ryan · 发表于：Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · 年份：1996 · DOI：10.1177/0146167296223006 · 被引用次数：2732 · 研究领域：Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction、Personality Traits and Psychology、Behavioral Health and Interventions

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.