Goal Focus in Adolescence

Abstract

Intentional self-regulation (ISR), defined as actions to set, strive for, and maximize the chances to achieve goals, is linked to positive outcomes in adolescence. Underlying ISR is the goal focus, which refers to framing a goal in terms of its means (process focus) or its ends (outcome focus). A process focus is consistently linked to more positive results than an outcome focus in adult samples, but process and outcome foci are understudied in adolescence. This paper illuminates the benefits of a process focus for adolescent goal pursuit in three points. First, ISR is critical during adolescence and has been linked to lifelong outcomes. Second, while a process focus is beneficial in adulthood and this is likely similar in adolescence, developmental and contextual factors push adolescents towards adopting an outcome focus. Third, developing a process or outcome focus has significant implications for the selection, optimization, and compensation model. Implications and future directions are discussed.