Goal instability and adjustment to physical disability

Few studies have examined psychoanalytic constructs in the adjustment of in dividuals with physical disability. According to H. Kohut (1977), optimal a djustment during life transitions is contingent on the individual's capacit y for maintaining and pursuing meaningful goals, which reflects a stable se nse of self. A series of studies was conducted to determine if goal instabi lity would predict adjustment and health following disability. Goal instabi lity was predictive of depressive behavior and acceptance of disability amo ng individuals with recent-onset disability. Goal instability predicted sub jective well-being 1 year later. Among community residents with a disabilit y, goal instability was associated with life satisfaction; this relationshi p was not mediated by perceived stigma or community mobility. These finding s indicate that a flexible yet durable goal orientation is associated with optimal psychological adjustment among individuals with a physical disabili ty.