engleski

Life goals as predictors of life satisfaction among different age groups

Life satisfaction and related constructs such as well being, happiness and quality of life are newer constructs of so-called, positive psychology. The intention of the scientist is to discriminate, investigate and theoretically explain these constructs. According to the theory, satisfaction develops as the inverse function of the observed differences between what a person possesses and multiple comparison standards (temporal and social). It seems that goals (what is desired) are set on the basis of these comparisons, but attainments (what is realized) are also evaluated. The difference between “ possess-desire” is established. So, the aim of investigation was to find out which aspects of life goals are the most significant predictors of general life satisfaction. A nonexperimental examination was conducted on a sample of subjects aged 15 to 71, from several Croatian towns, using questionnaires, self-evaluation and rating scales. Results have shown that there were no significant differences in general satisfaction with life, but age differences were evident in the temporal satisfaction with life. General satisfaction with life has the highest correlation with temporal satisfaction with life and temporal self-esteem. Importance (what is desired) and achievement (what is realized) of different goals, play a significant role in explaning life satisfaction among different age groups. Achievement of different developmental goals is a better predictor of life satisfaction than the importance of the same goals. Discrepancies among importance and achievement of developmental goals are not significant in prediction of life satisfaction when importance or achievement have been controled.

Life goals; life satisfaction; different age groups

nije evidentirano