FURTHER EXAMINING THE AMERICAN-DREAM - DIFFERENTIAL CORRELATES OF INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC GOALS

Empirical research and organismic theories suggest that lower well-bei ng is associated with having extrinsic goals focused on rewards or pra ise relatively central to one's personality in comparison to intrinsic goals congruent with inherent growth tendencies. In a sample of adult subjects (Study I), the relative importance and efficacy of extrinsic aspirations for financial success, an appealing appearance, and socia l recognition were associated with lower vitality and self-actualizati on and more physical symptoms. Conversely, the relative importance and efficacy of intrinsic aspirations for self-acceptance, affiliation, c ommunity feeling, and physical health were associated with higher well -being and less distress. Study 2 replicated these findings in a colle ge sample and extended them to measures of narcissism and daily affect . Three reasons are discussed as to why extrinsic aspirations relate n egatively to well-being and future research directions are suggested.