A Mixed Methods Study on Goal Pursuit, Goal Attainment and Subjective Well-Being during Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods sequential explanatory study was to investigate the effects of independent goal pursuit, interdependent goal pursuit, independent goal attainment, and interdependent goal attainment on subjective well-being among Filipinos and the moderation interaction of developmental levels (e.g., adolescence and young adulthood) in these effects. In the quantitative study, four measures: SWLS, PANAS-X, Goal Motivation Scale, and Goal Progress Scale were administered to 218 adolescents and young adults from Mindanao. The Path analysis technique was used to test the effects of independent goal pursuit, interdependent goal pursuit, independent goal attainment and interdependent goal attainment on subjective well- being, and the moderation interaction of developmental levels on these effects. Subjective well- being was measured in terms of satisfaction with life (SWLS), positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). Results of the study indicated that the moderation model of developmental levels on goal pursuit and goal attainment with SWLS tested attained a good and perfect fit (x2/df = 2.34; RMSEA = .044; GFI =0.920; SRMR = 0.06); the moderation model of developmental levels on goal pursuit and goal attainment on PA tested attained a good and perfect fit (x2/df = 2.75; RMSEA = .051; GFI =0.915; SRMR = 0.08); and the moderation model of developmental levels on goal pursuit and goal attainment on NA tested attained a good and perfect fit (x2/df = 2.91; RMSEA = .054; GFI =0.912; SRMR = 0.09). Independent goal pursuit predicted SWL, PA and NA; interdependent goal pursuit predicted SWL; independent goal attainment predicted SWL, PA, and NA; and interdependent goal attainment predicted NA. Findings revealed significant moderation interactions on the following: effect of independent goal pursuit on SWL, PA, and NA among Filipino adolescents; effect of interdependent goal pursuit on SWL among Filipino young adults; effect of independent goal attainment on SWL, PA, and NA among Filipino young adults; and effect of interdependent goal attainment on NA among Filipino adolescents. In the qualitative study, 10 Filipino adolescents and 10 Filipino young adults selected by a purposive sampling were included in the multiple case studies to explore their personal views, experiences, and goals in goal pursuit and goal attainment in relation to happiness. Convergences and divergences of goals, goal pursuits, and goal attainment linked with happiness were found among Filipinos during adolescence and young adulthood. The quantitative and qualitative findings of the study are discussed with reference to prior research. Implications for counseling practice and recommendations are provided.