Goal Motivation & Associated Cognitions in relation to Affective Symptoms & Wellbeing

Increasingly personal goal regulation and dysregulation processes and prospective cognitions are implicated in the maintenance of affective disorders, symptoms, and wellbeing. In this talk, Joanne will present research that has investigated self-regulatory goal motivational processes and associated cognitions in relation to depression, anxiety, and wellbeing, using clinical and non-clinical samples. As well as a general introduction, three studies will be presented. The studies focus on goal adjustment in depression, goal-discrepancy and rumination in relation to psychological distress, and goal flexibility and tenacity in New Year resolution pursuit and wellbeing. In the context of this research relevant theoretical frameworks will be briefly covered, and potential implications of the research will be explored.