Further Examining the American Dream: Differential Correlates of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Goals

TLDR

Empirical research and organismic theories link lower well‑being to the prominence of extrinsic goals focused on rewards or praise, whereas intrinsic goals aligned with growth tendencies are associated with higher well‑being. The study examines why extrinsic aspirations negatively affect well‑being and proposes future research directions. In two studies, higher emphasis on extrinsic goals for financial success, appearance, and social recognition correlated with lower vitality, self‑actualization, and more physical symptoms, while greater focus on intrinsic goals such as self‑acceptance, affiliation, community, and health correlated with higher well‑being, less distress, and these patterns were replicated in a college sample and extended to narcissism and daily affect.

Abstract

Empirical research and organismic theories suggest that lower well-being is associated with having extrinsic goals focused on rewards or praise relatively central to one's personality in comparison to intrinsic goals congruent with inherent growth tendencies. In a sample of adult subjects (Study 1), the relative importance and efficacy of extrinsic aspirations for financial success, an appealing appearance, and social recognition were associated with lower vitality and self-actualization and more physical symptoms. Conversely, the relative importance and efficacy of intrinsic aspirations for self-acceptance, affiliation, community feeling, and physical health were associated with higher well-being and less distress. Study 2 replicated these findings in a college sample and extended them to measures of narcissism and daily affect. Three reasons are discussed as to why extrinsic aspirations relate negatively to well-being, and future research directions are suggested.