engleski

The factor structure of the Aspiration Index: An example from Croatia

The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of the Aspiration Index and to explore gender differences in the importance of life goals at adolescents. The construct validity and reliability of the Aspiration Index and the existence of extrinsic and intrinsic life goals were tested. The results of 486 secondary school pupils gained by the application of the Kasser and Ryan's Aspiration Index were analysed. Factor analysis of the Aspiration Index revealed that the item structure of the life goals from this study is not completely the same as the original structure stated by the authors of the Index. Fame, image, relatedness and personal growth have not the same factor structure of items as the authors of the Index quoted. Life goals named community feeling, health and financial success included the same factor structure of items as the original goals scaled by the Aspiration Index in the previous research. Research results confirmed grouping of the seven life goals into two more general groups of goals, intrinsic and extrinsic. A high reliability of the Index was confirmed. The existence of gender differences in the importance of certain life goals at adolescents was also confirmed. Image, community feeling, health, personal growth, relatedness and intrinsic goals were more important to girls than to boys. Wealth was more important to boys.

life goals; gender difference; adolescents

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