Goal Selection

PSY 220

Goal Selection

The Matching Hypothesis

Personal Goals as Windows to Well-Being matching hypothesis suggests that the degree of person-goal fit determines the effect of goal progress and goal achievement on well-being. Pursuit of goals that express or fulfill (i.e., "match") an individual's needs, values, motives, or self-conception is more likely to increase well-being than pursuit of goals that do not fit or match with the person. In other words, if you want to increase your happiness and well-being, the "right" goals to pursue are those that fit and express your most important needs, desires, and sense of self. The "wrong" goals are those that are unrelated to these deeper, enduring personal characteristics. (Brunstein et al., 1998).

The personal...