Flexible goal adjustment moderates the link between self-rated health and subjective well-being. Findings from the general population

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether flexible goal adjustment moderates the link between self-rated health and subjective well-being longitudinally.

METHOD: Longitudinal data from 2002 to 2011 taken from a nationally representative sample of middle aged and older adults (≥ 40 years) - the German Ageing Survey. A single-item measure was used to assess self-rated health (ranging from 1 = very good to 5 = very bad). Flexible goal adjustment was measured using a scale developed by Brandstaedter and Renner. Subjective well-being was quantified using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and the Satisfaction with Life Scale.

RESULTS: Fixed effects (FE) regressions showed that worsening self-rated health is associated with a decrease in positive affect (β=-.07, p<.001) and life satisfaction (β=-.09, p<.001) as well as an increase in negative affect (β=.04, p<.001). Flexible goal adjustment significantly moderated the link between self-rated health and positive (β=.03, p<.05) as well as negative affect (β=-.05, p<.01), i. e., the higher flexible goal adjustment is, the weaker the link is between self-rated health and well-being.

CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that strategies to enhance flexible goal adjustment may be useful in maintaining well-being among older adults suffering from worsening self-rated health.