Abstract
This study utilized Eudaimonic Theory (ET), an Aristotelian perspective on humanflourishing (eudaimonia), to explore new eudaimonic goal hierarchy hypotheses. The ET model distinguishes between two types of well-being: Eudaimonic Well-Being (EWB) and Hedonic Well-Being (HWB), and two dimensions of goal pursuit: the Communal Dimension and the Agency Dimension. HWB refers to experiencing high positive affect, low negative affect and high life satisfaction. EWB is assessed through factors such as purpose, personal growth and positive relationships giving. The Communal Dimension refers to a distinction between individual goals, which can only be pursued by one person and shared goals, which are completely collective accomplishments. The Agency Dimension refers to a distinction between Instrumental Goals, in which the means and ends are separable, and Constitutive Goals, in which means constitute the ends. This study used SEM and was the first to empirically test Agency, Communion, and Well-Being relationships simultaneously. Extending earlier findings, EWB related to both Instrumental and Constitutive Goal Pursuit for Interpersonal Goals; while for Individual Goals, HWB related to Instrumental and Constitutive Goal Pursuit. Shared Goal Orientation significantly related to HWB for Individual Goals but not to EWB for Interpersonal Goals. Contrary to hypothesis, Shared Goal Orientation did not augment the relationships between either Instrumental Goal Pursuit and HWB, or Constitutive Goal Pursuit and EWB. Results suggest that Agency and Communion have some additive but no multiplicative effects on Well-Being.