Adaptive Self-Regulation of Unattainable Goals: Goal Disengagement, Goal Reengagement, and Subjective Well-Being

TLDR

The studies investigated how goal disengagement and reengagement relate to subjective well‑being. The authors surveyed 115 undergraduates, 120 young and older adults, and 45 parents of children with cancer or healthy children to assess goal disengagement and reengagement. Goal disengagement and reengagement were linked to higher subjective well‑being, with interactive effects indicating that their combined influence enhances well‑being.

Abstract

Three studies examined associations between goal disengagement, goal reengagement, and subjective well-being. In Study 1, 115 undergraduates reported on the extent to which they were able to abandon unattainable goals and reengage their efforts in alternative goals. Study 2 examined the importance of goal disengagement and goal reengagement in groups of young adults and older adults (N = 120). In Study 3, a sample of parents of children with cancer and parents of medically healthy children was examined (N = 45). The findings confirmed that goal disengagement and goal reengagement can be associated with ratings of high subjective well-being. In addition, the results showed that goal disengagement and goal reengagement can have interactive effects on subjective well-being. The importance of the findings for effective self-regulation and successful development are discussed.