Abstract
In this study we developed and psychometrically tested the Adolescent Life Goal Profile Scale (ALGPS). This scale provides
a new approach to the measurements of personal goals, meaning, structure and direction in adolescent lives—a focus that falls
in line with the increasing awareness of the prospects and benefits of congruent living. The objective is to measure the perceived
importance of four life goal categories (Relations, Generativity, Religion and Achievements) and the perceived attainability
of these goals. The ALGPS is a psychological tool that can be useful for general adolescent research and as an approach to
individual mental health care. Pilot study 1 consisted of focus group interviews as a methodological approach to better understand
the culture and language of young people in Norway. In pilot study 2, we tested out a preliminary version of the ALGPS on
a high school sample (N = 140) based on the results from pilot study 1. In the main study, we used the ALGPS and an accompanying
test battery for validation purposes. All tests were administered to a new high school sample (N = 244). Exploratory factor
analyses supported a 16 + 16 item version of the ALGPS (16 life goals and 16 attainability ratings). The four life goal categories
were reproduced with low intercorrelations among the factors. This model was cross-validated in a new sample (N = 294) using
confirmatory factor analysis. Further evidence for reliability and convergent validity is presented and applications are discussed.
a new approach to the measurements of personal goals, meaning, structure and direction in adolescent lives—a focus that falls
in line with the increasing awareness of the prospects and benefits of congruent living. The objective is to measure the perceived
importance of four life goal categories (Relations, Generativity, Religion and Achievements) and the perceived attainability
of these goals. The ALGPS is a psychological tool that can be useful for general adolescent research and as an approach to
individual mental health care. Pilot study 1 consisted of focus group interviews as a methodological approach to better understand
the culture and language of young people in Norway. In pilot study 2, we tested out a preliminary version of the ALGPS on
a high school sample (N = 140) based on the results from pilot study 1. In the main study, we used the ALGPS and an accompanying
test battery for validation purposes. All tests were administered to a new high school sample (N = 244). Exploratory factor
analyses supported a 16 + 16 item version of the ALGPS (16 life goals and 16 attainability ratings). The four life goal categories
were reproduced with low intercorrelations among the factors. This model was cross-validated in a new sample (N = 294) using
confirmatory factor analysis. Further evidence for reliability and convergent validity is presented and applications are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-20
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-011-9306-2
- Authors
- Leiv E. Gabrielsen, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Familie og Ungdomsteamet, Serviceboks 416, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
- Pål Ulleberg, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. 1094 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Reidulf G. Watten, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Lillehammer University College, Helse- og sosialfag, Høgskolen i Lillehammer, Postboks 952, 2604 Lillehammer, Norway
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978