Abstract
This study investigated an Aristotelian model of eudaimonic and hedonic well-being that distinguishes between goal orientations in which the means and ends are separable (instrumental) and in which the means and ends are inherently related (constitutive). Eudaimonic well-being was expected to be related to constitutive goal orientation and hedonic well-being was expected to be related to both constitutive and instrumental goal orientation. Personal identification with activities was expected to mediate the relationship between constitutive goal orientation and eudaimonic well-being. Personal enjoyment was expected to mediate the relationship between instrumental goal orientation and hedonic well-being. Factor analysis supported the independence of constitutive and instrumental goal orientation measures. As predicted, SEM results suggested that there were independent pathways to eudaimonic and hedonic well-being, with strong mediation in both pathways. Results were consistent with Aristotle's [Aristotle (1999). The Nicomachean ethics (M. Ostwald, Trans.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.] concept of eudaimonia and contribute to the growing literature exploring the contrast between eudaimonic and hedonic well-being.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 139-153 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Journal of Positive Psychology |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2010 |
Keywords
- Aristotle
- Constitutive
- Eudaimonia
- Goal pursuit
- Hedonia
- Instrumental
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)