Religious and Spiritual Growth Goals: A Forgotten Outcome.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Self-Improvement Studies

Background:

• Religious and spiritual (R/S) growth goals are often overlooked within the broader scope of self-improvement.
• Social cognitive theory provides a framework for understanding self-improvement processes in various domains.
• This study investigates the applicability of social cognitive theory to R/S growth goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationships among age, gender, social interactions, and commitment to R/S goals.
• To compare factors influencing persistence in R/S goals versus physical activity goals.
• To assess the role of social cognitive factors in R/S goal pursuit.

Main Methods:

• Path analysis was employed using data from 350 adult participants.
• Key variables included age, gender, social interactions (positive and negative), and goal commitment.
• The study analyzed persistence on both R/S and physical activity goals.

Main Results:

• Positive social interactions significantly contributed to persistence in both R/S and physical activity goals.
• Persistence in R/S goals was directly influenced by age, dissatisfaction with negative social interactions, and satisfaction with positive social exchanges.
• Physical activity goals were primarily related to positive social exchanges.

Conclusions:

• Social cognitive theory's goal-striving frameworks are feasible for examining R/S growth goals.
• Social interactions play a crucial role in maintaining commitment to R/S goals.
• Unique psychosocial factors influence persistence in R/S goals compared to physical activity goals.