Accommodative coping has often been measured as a one-dimensional disposition with the Flexible Goal Adjustment Questionnaire (FGA;Brandtstädter & Renner, 1990). Because several ways of accommodative coping have been proposed, we constructed the Accommodative Coping Facets Questionnaire (ACCO-5), a multidimensional questionnaire encompassing five dimensions: positive reappraisal/ personal growth, lowering of aspirations/acceptance, downward comparison, reorientation, and detachment from goal. The present study examined (a) the multidimensional structure of accommodative coping, (b) the correlations between the ACCO-5 dimensions, age, and indicators of positive adaptation, and (c) differences in age correlations that result from a dispositional and goal-specific approach to accommodation. Study 1 (N ϭ 702) investigated the dimensional structure of ACCO-5 dimensions (disposition) and showed significant correlations with age and positive adaptation. Study 2 (N ϭ 150) investigated the correlations with the FGA Scale. In Study 3 (N ϭ 321) ACCO-5 was applied to concrete blocked goals reported by the individuals. This study showed no age differences but significant correlations between the ACCO-5 dimensions and indicators of positive adaptation. Study 4 (N ϭ 240) investigated the correlations between goal-specific ACCO-5, subjective goal control, and age. In summary, the present paper provides evidence that the components of ACCO-5 do measure similar, but not identical facets of a complex construct in developmental regulation. Differentiating between these facets contributes to a better understanding of the structure and function of accommodative processes in adulthood. We emphasize that the differentiated assessment of these facets is important for intervention studies or longitudinal research examining the complexity and dynamics of accommodative coping.
Studies on motivational development in adulthood often use self-report measures to examine the relationship between aspects of goal adjustment (accommodative coping, detachment from goals, goal pursuit), and well-being. Most have focused on how tendencies in general goal adjustment regulate subjective well-being. The present study examined the longitudinal associations between well-being (life satisfaction, positive affect) and goal adjustment and between accommodative coping and goal pursuit. Variables were assessed in a three-wave longitudinal study (intervals of about 1 year) with a sample of N = 305 adults aged 30–78 years. Longitudinal effects were computed with latent growth models. Results showed that increases in well-being predicted increases in goal pursuit and accommodative coping (positive reappraisal/personal growth, acceptance, reorientation). Increases in accommodative coping predicted increases in goal pursuit and goal detachment. The initial level of goal pursuit predicted decreases in accommodative coping, and the initial level of accommodative coping predicted increases in well-being. In sum, the study demonstrated that subjective well-being is a resource for goal pursuit and accommodative coping, but also that an increase in well-being profits from both. The study provided evidence for the growing relationships of goal adjustment facets.
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