Linking Goal Progress and Subjective Well-Being: A Meta-analysis

• Published in: Journal of happiness studies Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 37 - 65
• Main Authors: Klug, Hannah J. P., Maier, Günter W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-02-2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Economics; Emotions; Goal setting; Happiness; Meta-analysis; Objectives; Personality and Social Psychology; Philosophy; Positive Psychology; Psychology; Quality of Life Research; Research Paper; Social Sciences; Systematic review; Goal progress; Well-being; Personal goals; Meta-analysis
• ISSN: 1389-4978; 1573-7780
• DOI: 10.1007/s10902-013-9493-0

This article provides a quantitative review of the link between successful goal pursuit and subjective well-being (SWB). The meta-analysis integrates the findings of 108 independent samples derived from 85 studies. Results revealed a significant association between successful goal striving and SWB (ρ = .43). Moderator analyses showed that the association was larger when (a) successful goal pursuit was defined as goal progress, instead of goal attainment, when (b) SWB was measured as SWB (positive indicators), instead of ill-being (negative indicators), when (c) the SWB measure matched the goal content, instead of lacked conceptual correspondence, and when (d) the data collection took place in an individualistic culture, instead of a collectivistic culture. Discussion centers on the interpretation of moderators, theoretical implications, and directions for future research.