Differences on adolescent life goal profile scale between a clinical and non-clinical adolescent sample. (October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gabrielsen, Leiv E.; Watten, Reidulf G.; Ulleberg, Pål
• Is Part Of: International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice. Volume 17:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2013-10
• Subjects: Mental illness -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2012.745573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1365-1501

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>. This study aimed to determine similarities and differences on perceived importance and perceived attainability of life goals between a clinical and non-clinical adolescent sample. <italic>Method</italic>. 244 students and 54 adolescent patients completed the Adolescent Life Goal Profile Scale (ALGPS). The ALGPS measures perceived importance and perceived attainability of four main life goal categories: Relations, Generativity, Religion, and Achievements. As a control, we used five measures of mental health, quality of life, and personality. <italic>Results</italic>. There were no differences on perceived importance on the Generativity, Religion, and Achievement life goal factor, but patients perceived relation-oriented goals less important than non-patients. Perceived attainability of life goals factors was lower for patients on all life goals except for Generativity. Compared to non-patients, patients were less happy and satisfied and had lower sense of coherence and self-efficacy. Patients were also less emotionally stable, had lower conscientiousness, but higher intellect. <italic>Conclusions</italic>. Though patients appear less content with life in general than non-patients, chances are that they uphold their concern and care for others, remain devoted in their religious stand, and stay committed to their achievement-related goals. The lower perceived importance of relations within the patient group should be awarded clinical attention.</p> </abstract>