The essence of authentic pursuits: Intrinsic value-goal concordance matters

Abstract

Goal self-concordance research has significantly grown in the past twenty-five years. Goal self-concordance is described as the congruence between an individual’s core values and self-set goals. The benefits of self-concordant goal selection and pursuit are well-documented. However, current research has not fully explored whether goal self-concordance represents intrinsic/healthy values such as self-transcendence and openness to change, and whether goal self-concordance mediates the effects of these values on well-being. This cross-sectional study attempts to address these gaps. A sample of 545 participants participated in the study, completing measures assessing personal values, goal self-concordance, need satisfaction, meaning in life, and life satisfaction. The results indicated that self-transcendence and openness to change were positively associated with well-being, with these relationships being significantly mediated by goal self-concordance. The findings provide evidence that the alignment of healthy values and goal self-concordance leads to beneficial outcomes in well-being. The study highlights the importance of value-goal concordance in fostering well-being and offers new directions for further research into value-based goal setting and achievement across diverse populations.