The role of general causality orientations in the development of goal engagement and adjustment capacities in emerging adulthood

A longitudinal study examined individual differences that affect the development of adaptive goal regulation capacities in emerging adulthood. Self-determination theory was used to derive hierarchical linear models in which autonomous, controlled, and impersonal causality orientations differentially predicted baseline levels and rates of yearlong change in three adaptive goal regulation outcomes – goal engagement (operationalized as persistence in goal striving), goal disengagement capacities, and goal reengagement capacities. University enrolled emerging adults reported their levels of the three causality orientations and completed measures of persistence, disengagement, and reengagement at the start of the fall term. Goal regulation outcomes were assessed again at the start and end of the winter term. Results showed that self-determination theory is a relevant framework for understanding not only goal engagement, but also goal adjustment processes in emerging adulthood. Interestingly, the autonomy orientation, which is typically associated with benefits for striving, was negatively related to adaptive goal disengagement capacities. Implications for future research on the associations between motivational style and goal regulation in emerging adulthood are discussed