Abstract

Several studies have underlined the importance of the pursuit and achievement of high relevant goals in the analysis of factors promoting individual well-being and life satisfaction (Brunstein, 1993; Emmons, 2003). The present study, involving 240 Italian adults, investigated the relationships between life satisfaction and important life goals. Various types of people have been identified on the basis of their life-goals; they were then compared considering their life satisfaction. Furthermore, we analyzed how life aspects that are considered in the evaluation of life satisfaction reflects personals goals. More frequently declared life goals concerned job and study, household and amusement activities. The pursuit of "relational" life-goals (e.g. goals regarding couple's life, family life, friendship and interpersonal relationships) promoted higher life satisfaction. Life's aspects that are considered in the evaluation of life satisfaction largely reflected individual life goals.