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Self-Image Goals and Compassionate Goals: Costs and Benefits
Jennifer Crocker1, Marc-Andre Olivier, Noah Nuer
1Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, and Department of Psychology, University of Michigan.
Abstract:
Two types of interpersonal goals-self-image goals and compassionate goals-reflect distinct motivational perspectives on the relationship between the self and others-egosystem and ecosystem perspectives, respectively. Research on the associations of self-image goals and compassionate goals with students' experiences in their first semester of college is described. Chronic self-image goals and compassionate goals predict changes in learning and achievement goals, self-regulation and goal progress, social support and friendships, emotions, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Self-image goals have costs for belonging, and compassionate goals have benefits for belonging.
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