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Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between flexible goal adjustment and life satisfaction (as an enduring component of subjective well-being) using six-year longitudinal data from a sample of older adults.Methods: The study included 704 participants aged 63–97 years assessed four times over a six-year period. Simultaneous and lagged models were specified and estimated using structural equation modeling.Results: Both simultaneous and lagged coefficients indicated that a high score on flexible goal adjustment significantly predicted subsequent levels of life satisfaction.Conclusion: In line with successful aging theory, our findings support the view that the ability to adjust personal goals flexibly is a central resource when unattainable goals are encountered and it contributes to well-being in old age.
Notes
1. Wave 1 (2001) data were analyzed previously by Alaphilippe, Bailly, Gana and Martin Citation(2005).
2. In 2001, flexible goal adjustment was not assessed. Thus, the present study concerns the following years: 2003 was considered as T1, 2005 as T2, 2007 as T3, and 2009 as T4.
3. Although there is no theoretical background regarding the impact of LS on FGA, this link was still tested. Whatever the model tested (simultaneous effects and cross-lagged effects with or without constraints), LS never significantly predicted FGA.
4. Note here that Pavot and Diener Citation(1993) drew attention to the fact that the fifth item of the life satisfaction scale was the weakest in terms of convergence with other items. Note also that the fourth and fifth items of this scale refer to the past, whereas the other items refer to the present.