Page 78 - Javanan Magazine Issue # 1870

PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUE No. 1868
PSYCHOLOGICAL
ISSUE No. 1856
PERSPECTIVES
PERSPECTIVES JAVANAN
JAVANAN
Dr. Alan A.
Modarressi LOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Clinical and A SOCIOCULTURAL AND MIND AND BODY OUTLOOK
Neuro-Psychologyst
In this column, we examine the mental health issues in the context
of social, culture, and physiological concerns of the Iranian community

THE DARK SIDE OF THE results of multiple studies on a physical health, and prosocial
particular research question or
behavior. This was a consistent
AMERICAN DREAM topic in order to obtain a com- finding regardless of age, culture,
prehensive and more precise es-
or the tools used by researchers
New Study Shows the Value of Intrinsic timate of the overall effect size or to measure these characteristics.
These findings are meaning-
relationship between variables.
Goals Over Extrinsic Quests It is a systematic approach that ful for those pursuing the sci-
ence of well-being. This analysis
allows researchers to synthesize
and integrate findings from mul- indicates that when one priori-
New research sheds light on peer-reviewed journal articles) tiple studies, providing a more tizes extrinsic goals over intrinsic
the psychological dark side of that explored different life goals robust and reliable summary of ones, there may be far-reaching
the American Dream and well-being. Specifically, they the available evidence. consequences for self-esteem,
esearch published in the utilized studies that examined the In their current meta-analysis, health, happiness, and social con-
Journal of Personality and relationship of intrinsic and ex- Bradshaw and colleagues ana- nectedness.
RSocial Psychology sys- trinsic aspirations to well-being lyzed data from 62,359 individu- Bradshaw and colleagues ac-
tematically examined the results and the relationship of intrinsic als. knowledged there were some
from over 90 studies and found and extrinsic aspirations to ill- limitations to their findings. The
that overall well-being suffers being. (Ill-being is understood studies chosen for meta-analysis
when one pursues extrinsic goals as the opposite of well-being — Their findings indicate that used cross-sectional data; there-
over intrinsic ones. These results a lack of happiness, safety, or when individuals prioritize ex- fore, cause and effect cannot be
may be used to support meaning- thriving.) trinsic goals, they tend to report established. Longitudinal studies
ful changes in education so that A meta-analysis is a statisti- lower levels of subjective well- would be beneficial to support
goals are pursued for their intrin- cal technique that combines the being, psychological well-being, their conclusions. Second, the
sic value, resulting in happier and study focused on a narrow range
healthier individuals. of life goals and didn’t consider
The American Dream is known the methods people use to pursue
internationally as the opportunity their goals. Finally, their studies
were all originally published in
offered to people in the United
States to achieve success. It is English; consequently, they may
have omitted some important
marketed as the foundation of cultural nuances.
the American economy and often This study demonstrates that
emphasized in educational sys- a shift in what the American
tems. If you work hard enough, Dream is understood to be would
you can become president or likely be beneficial for most
CEO of a billion-dollar company. Americans. The meta-analysis
The American Dream is often provided evidence for the uni-
focused on extrinsic goals like versal wellness costs of prioritiz-
material wealth, career success, ing extrinsic over intrinsic goals.
and fame. Modern research has According to the research team,
called into question the ben- “When setting goals for oneself,
efits of chasing extrinsic goals or indeed for others, focusing on
over intrinsic ones, such as self- money, beauty, and influence at
development and being helpful the cost of growing and caring
towards others. Emma L. Brad- is psychologically detrimental.
shaw and colleagues set out to Individuals, groups, and institu-
mine the published research for tions should consider framing
universal truths about the conse- goals in intrinsic terms if their
quences of pursuing the Ameri- pursuit is to serve the common
can Dream. good.”
The research team conducted The study supports the notion
a meta-analysis of 92 reports (6 that true happiness is not earned
theses, two book chapters, and 84 wealth.

DANESH FOROUGHI, PH.D. Alan Modarressi, PhD, QME

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY13680 Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Psychotherapist, MFC23455 Qualified Medical Evaluator
Certified National Board of Addiction Examiners #4974 Certified Psychophsychologist
Tel: (310) 940-3642 Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management

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