Research article summary (published 29 Nov 2006):

Developmental changes in personal goal orientation from young to late adulthood: from striving for gains to maintenance and prevention of losses.

Full Abstract

Using a multimethod approach, the authors conducted 4 studies to test life span hypotheses about goal orientations across adulthood. Confirming expectations, in Studies 1 and 2 younger adults reported a primary growth orientation in their goals, whereas older adults reported a stronger orientation toward maintenance and loss prevention. Orientation toward prevention of loss correlated negatively with well-being in younger adults. In older adults, orientation toward maintenance was positively associated with well-being. Studies 3 and 4 extend findings of a self-reported shift in goal orientation to the level of behavioral choice involving cognitive and physical fitness goals. Studies 3 and 4 also examine the role of expected resource demands. The shift in goal orientation is discussed as an adaptive mechanism to manage changing opportunities and constraints across adulthood.

Author information

Author/s: Ebner, Natalie C (NC); Freund, Alexandra M (AM); Baltes, Paul B (PB);

Affiliation: Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany. ebner(-atsign-)mpib-berlin.mpg.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Psychology and aging (Psychol Aging), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Dec; vol 21 (issue 4) : pp 664-78

Dates: Created 2007/01/04; Completed 2007/01/26;

PMID: 17201488, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Female Goals Humans

Humans Life Change Events Male Middle Aged Motivation Quality of Life - psychology Questionnaires

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