Calling, Goals, and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

The present study examined the role of goals in the relation between calling and life satisfaction in a diverse, adult sample. Building off the self-concordance model of goal progress, the current study explored whether career goal self-efficacy (CGSE) mediated the relation between calling and life satisfaction and whether this mediation was moderated by intrinsic, extrinsic, self-transcendence, or physical self goal aspirations. We found CGSE to partially mediate the relation between calling and life satisfaction. Additionally, self-transcendence goals and physical self goals moderated this mediation such that, for people high in calling, the mediation only existed for those with high selftranscendence goals or low physical self goals. These results suggest that people with callings may need to have self-transcendence goals and avoid physical self goals in order for the confidence in their ability to achieve career goals to mediate the relation between their sense of calling and life satisfaction. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

Calling in retirement: A mixed methods study

“…It appeared that most retirees described their calling as 'Helping Others' in non-workrelated ways such as volunteering. This finding is similar to qualitative findings by Allan and Duffy (2014) who reported that most working adults from high and low social classes reported that helping others, particularly non-family members, provided the most meaning to their work. Further, describing calling in such prosocial terms is supported by qualitative research related to calling perceptions among counseling psychologists (Duffy, Foley, et al, 2012).…”

Life Satisfaction, Hope, and Positive Emotions as Antecedents of Health Related Quality of Life Among Homeless Individuals

“…The life satisfaction determination involves appraising the extent that an individual has realized subjectively established benchmarks of success. Such benchmarks reflect the individual's values and/or desired goals (Diener et al 1999;Diener, Lucas, and Oishi 2002;Emmons 1986;Sheldon and Elliot 1999;Allen and Duffy 2010).…”

The Role of Calling in a Social Cognitive Model of Well-Being

“…Among the various positive psychological constructs, empirical studies related to calling, which refers to an approach to work that reflects a sense of meaning related to promoting the common good or benefiting others (Duffy, Dik, Douglass, England, & Velez, 2018), have significantly increased in recent years (Duffy & Dik, 2013). A growing body of literature highlights the significant role of calling on vocational outcomes (e.g., job satisfaction and career commitment) and overall life satisfaction (Allan & Duffy, 2014; Duffy, Dik, & Steger, 2011; Duffy, Manuel, Borges, & Bott, 2011; Torrey & Duffy, 2012). Prior studies have examined only one or two mediators (e.g., self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-evaluations) between calling and life satisfaction (Allan & Duffy, 2014; Cha & Yoon, 2016; Domene, 2012; Torrey & Duffy, 2012).…”

“…A growing body of literature highlights the significant role of calling on vocational outcomes (e.g., job satisfaction and career commitment) and overall life satisfaction (Allan & Duffy, 2014; Duffy, Dik, & Steger, 2011; Duffy, Manuel, Borges, & Bott, 2011; Torrey & Duffy, 2012). Prior studies have examined only one or two mediators (e.g., self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-evaluations) between calling and life satisfaction (Allan & Duffy, 2014; Cha & Yoon, 2016; Domene, 2012; Torrey & Duffy, 2012). The structural relations among calling and vocational variables that may explain overall life satisfaction have not been fully explored, and further scholarly efforts are necessary (Allan & Duffy, 2014).…”