ABSTRACT

Humans are able to project the future on very complex dimensions, aiming at accomplishing various desires, wishes or projects. The present article conducts a critical analysis of personal goals at adult age, through an integrative review of the literature regarding structures and processes relevant for these types of goals. Starting with a brief presentation of goal definitions, we then discuss the elaboration of personal goals at adult age, through differential integration of normative requirements and individual characteristics. We next present theoretical tenets of developmental personal goal processes, through integration of gains and losses. In the last segment of the article, we analyze the transformation of action independent personal goals (wishes, desires and fantasies about the future) into operational goals, with adequate action commitment.

KEYWORDS: personal goals, developmental tasks, adult development, action commitment.

PAGES: 265-283