Transactive-Goal-Dynamics Theory: A Discipline-Wide Perspective

Abstract

Theories of goal pursuit typically conceptualize goal pursuers as isolated actors; in contrast, empirical research from diverse areas of psychology has demonstrated that goal setting, pursuit, and achievement are deeply embedded within social relationships. Because much of this emerging literature is developing within subfields with minimal cross talk, the potential for integration and advances to basic theory has not been realized. The present article leverages transactive-goal-dynamics theory in an effort to bring these literatures together. In doing so, it distills a common set of primary research questions toward the goal of promoting a cumulative, integrative, interdisciplinary field of research on the ways in which goal pursuit is socially embedded.

Joint Goals in Older Couples: Associations With Goal Progress, Allostatic Load, and Relationship Satisfaction

“…Over-reporting occurs if older adults-thinking of joint goals as joint when in fact it is no mentioned among the three most salient goals of the spouse. In line with the Transactive-Goal-Dynamics Theory (Fitzsimons and Finkel, 2018) and previous research indicating that older couples with more joint goals use more collaborative problemsolving (Hoppmann and Gerstorf, 2013) and engage in more spousal goal involvement (Meegan and Goedereis, 2006), we argue that to translate joint goals into action, goal coordination between partners is key. To collaboratively engage in goal coordination, the Transactive-Goal-Dynamics Theory states that it is necessary that partners adjust their behavior to each other's goal-relevant states (e.g., expectations).…”

“…In contrast, higher spouse and family negativity are related to higher allostatic load (Brooks et al, 2014). We expected that a high number of joint goals would be associated with low allostatic load, possibly because older spouses with many joint goals are better able to coordinate complex health goals, engage in dyadic planning, and accordingly have healthier lifestyles and experience less stress (Keller et al, 2017;Wiley et al, 2017;Berli et al, 2018;Fitzsimons and Finkel, 2018). Thus, we expect that when older adults' perceptions of joint goals converge with what independent raters are able to detect, they can better coordinate goal-directed activity.…”

“…Goals serve as a personal compass into old age (Hooker, 2002). Goals are mostly examined in samples of unrelated individuals, and yet, they often need to be coordinated with close others such as spouses (Baltes and Carstensen, 1999;Mann et al, 2013;Fitzsimons and Finkel, 2018). Little is known about the proportion and type of goals that older spouses have in common and the correlates for everyone involved.…”

Psychological Science in the Wake of COVID-19: Social, Methodological, and Meta-Scientific Considerations

“…Construal level theory (Fujita et al, 2006) suggests that focusing on the short-term can influence the goals people set and their behaviors in goal pursuit. Transactive-goal-dynamics theory predicts that disrupted social connections, particularly between intimate partners, can change the types of goals people pursue and their likelihood of success (Fitzsimons & Finkel, 2018). Some perspectives entertain that self-regulation might improve in certain areas.…”

Who Comes to Mind? Dynamic Construction of Social Networks

“…Following advances in relationship-goal research (e.g., Fitzsimons & Finkel, 2018; Orahek & Forest, 2016), emerging technologies may also bolster people’s ability to reflect on social-network goals and form new goals for (or with) their relationships. For instance, social platforms may support goal coordination or help users visualize the decaying parts of their networks to protect long-term connections.…”