Leiv E Gabrielsen1, Reidulf G Watten, Pål Ulleberg. 1. Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority , Kristiansand , Norway.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine similarities and differences on perceived importance and perceived attainability of life goals between a clinical and non-clinical adolescent sample. METHOD: 244 students and 54 adolescent patients completed the Adolescent Life Goal Profile Scale (ALGPS). The ALGPS measures perceived importance and perceived attainability of four main life goal categories: Relations, Generativity, Religion, and Achievements. As a control, we used five measures of mental health, quality of life, and personality. RESULTS: There were no differences on perceived importance on the Generativity, Religion, and Achievement life goal factor, but patients perceived relation-oriented goals less important than non-patients. Perceived attainability of life goals factors was lower for patients on all life goals except for Generativity. Compared to non-patients, patients were less happy and satisfied and had lower sense of coherence and self-efficacy. Patients were also less emotionally stable, had lower conscientiousness, but higher intellect. CONCLUSIONS: Though patients appear less content with life in general than non-patients, chances are that they uphold their concern and care for others, remain devoted in their religious stand, and stay committed to their achievement-related goals. The lower perceived importance of relations within the patient group should be awarded clinical attention.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine similarities and differences on perceived importance and perceived attainability of life goals between a clinical and non-clinical adolescent sample. METHOD: 244 students and 54 adolescent patients completed the Adolescent Life Goal Profile Scale (ALGPS). The ALGPS measures perceived importance and perceived attainability of four main life goal categories: Relations, Generativity, Religion, and Achievements. As a control, we used five measures of mental health, quality of life, and personality. RESULTS: There were no differences on perceived importance on the Generativity, Religion, and Achievement life goal factor, but patients perceived relation-oriented goals less important than non-patients. Perceived attainability of life goals factors was lower for patients on all life goals except for Generativity. Compared to non-patients, patients were less happy and satisfied and had lower sense of coherence and self-efficacy. Patients were also less emotionally stable, had lower conscientiousness, but higher intellect. CONCLUSIONS: Though patients appear less content with life in general than non-patients, chances are that they uphold their concern and care for others, remain devoted in their religious stand, and stay committed to their achievement-related goals. The lower perceived importance of relations within the patient group should be awarded clinical attention.
Authors: Julie Sigvartsen; Leiv Einar Gabrielsen; Eirik Abildsnes; Tonje H Stea; Christina Sandvand Omfjord; Gudrun Rohde Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2016-08-03 Impact factor: 3.295