Focusing on self or others has different consequences for psychological well-being: A longitudinal study of the effects of distinct interpersonal goals

A longitudinal study examined the association between interpersonal goals (selfimage and compassionate goals) and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. We propose that having self-image goals (trying to create and manage a positive image) may lead to psychological distress, while genuinely taking others' needs into account and caring for their welfare (compassionate goals) may promote psychological well-being. The sample was composed by 161 university students (151 female, 8 male) who completed 6 surveys, every two weeks, assessing depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, interpersonal goals, goal-related affect, feelings of closeness and loneliness, interpersonal conflicts, and positive emotions. Regression analysis suggested that compassionate goals predicted decreases in pre-and post-levels of depression, anxiety and stress, while self-image goals predicted increases in these psychopathological symptoms. Positive affect and feelings of clarity and closeness and less interpersonal conflicts mediated the relation between compassionate goals and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, while feelings of fear and confusion, loneliness and interpersonal conflicts and less positive emotions mediated the relation between self-image goals and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Helping people reframe situations in terms of an ecosystem motivational framework and be more mindful of their goals and motivations may improve their well-being.