Abstract
This work aims to describe the main theoretical assumptions and empirical evidence of a new comprehensive theory of life projects (LPs). The theory originated from a scoping review that analyzed the theoretical statements on LPs contained in 93 articles of psychology and related fields. Through a thematic analysis, six theoretical dimensions describing different LP properties and correlates were created.
A comprehensive definition of LPs was proposed to integrate these six theoretical dimensions. A LP was thus defined as “an ongoing evolving process to form, enact, and maintain intentional structures and actions that, altogether, encompass a long-term, meaningful, and prospective narrative capable of guiding decisions and behavior in daily life”.
This comprehensive definition grounded a qualitative study based on interviews with 26 Brazilians. Built upon a thematic analysis, a theoretical model was outlined to explain the associations between motivational and volitional features, the field of possibilities, and LPs.
Lastly, a new measure was constructed based on this LP definition. The Life Project Scale assesses identification (awareness of one’s intended future) and involvement (mobilization of plans and actions in daily life). It has excellent validity and reliability evidence tested in thousands of participants in Brazil and Portugal.
These studies form a research line that provides a LP definition applicable to distinct domains, as well as establishes associations with other personal and contextual features. Predictive models have been created but not yet tested. Therefore, this research line can be considered as the start of a new comprehensive theory of LPs.
A comprehensive definition of LPs was proposed to integrate these six theoretical dimensions. A LP was thus defined as “an ongoing evolving process to form, enact, and maintain intentional structures and actions that, altogether, encompass a long-term, meaningful, and prospective narrative capable of guiding decisions and behavior in daily life”.
This comprehensive definition grounded a qualitative study based on interviews with 26 Brazilians. Built upon a thematic analysis, a theoretical model was outlined to explain the associations between motivational and volitional features, the field of possibilities, and LPs.
Lastly, a new measure was constructed based on this LP definition. The Life Project Scale assesses identification (awareness of one’s intended future) and involvement (mobilization of plans and actions in daily life). It has excellent validity and reliability evidence tested in thousands of participants in Brazil and Portugal.
These studies form a research line that provides a LP definition applicable to distinct domains, as well as establishes associations with other personal and contextual features. Predictive models have been created but not yet tested. Therefore, this research line can be considered as the start of a new comprehensive theory of LPs.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - Aug 2024 |
| Event | International Conference on Motivation & Emotion 2024 - University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland Duration: 28 Aug 2024 → 30 Aug 2024 https://icm2024.unibe.ch/index_eng.html |
Conference
| Conference | International Conference on Motivation & Emotion 2024 |
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| Country/Territory | Switzerland |
| City | Bern |
| Period | 28/08/24 → 30/08/24 |
| Internet address |