Goal conflict and well-being: A review and hierarchical model of goal conflict, ambivalence, self-discrepancy and self-concordance. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Rebecca E.; Mansell, Warren; Wood, Alex M.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 85(2015)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 229
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Goal conflict -- Ambivalence -- Self-discrepancy -- Self-concordance -- Hierarchical -- Well-being; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.05.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Highlights: We integrate research on conflict, ambivalence, self-discrepancy and concordance. We propose a hierarchical reconceptualization of these four concepts. Goal conflict impacts negatively on well-being. Pursuing goals that achieve one's fundamental needs promotes well-being. Conflict at higher levels in the hierarchy may be more detrimental to well-being. Abstract: This paper reviews empirical evidence for associations between goal conflict, ambivalence, self-discrepancy, self-concordance and well-being. The research indicates that goal conflict, ambivalence and discrepancy impede well-being, whilst concordance promotes well-being. The evidence was strongest for ambivalence, self-discrepancy, and self-concordance, and weakest for goal conflict. A hierarchical conceptualisation of the four related constructs is presented. Goal conflict, ambivalence, and self-discrepancy may occur at different levels within a goal hierarchy, which ranges from abstract, high level goals to low-level, concrete goals. Self-concordance is conceptualised as a property of the goal hierarchy, where goals are un-conflicted and facilitate intrinsic motivations and needs. Conflict at multiple or higher levels in the hierarchy may pose greater problems for well-being.