Some youthful dreams stand the test of time better than others. — AFP
TEENAGERS often ask themselves what they want to do when they grow up. While the answers vary, an Icelandic-American study claims that young people who aim high when it comes to education and prestige tend to be more successful in life.
The authors of this research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, came to this conclusion after tracking the evolution of two cohorts of young Icelanders over 12 years, from late adolescence to early adulthood.
They wanted to see if their personal aspirations changed over the years, and if this had an impact on their future academic and professional success. “Life goals are expected to change over time and these changes are expected to have consequences for future life outcomes, including occupational outcomes,” says Rodica Damian, associate professor of psychology at the University of Houston, quoted in a news release.
It appears that some youthful dreams are more resistant to the test of time than others. For example, aspirations linked to family, social relationships and a sense of community remain very strong over time.
Participants who, when they were young, wanted to maintain good relations with their families throughout their lives were still driven by the same desire in adulthood. In some cases, these aspirations even grew stronger over time.
In addition, Rodica Damian and colleagues found that adolescents’ goals for education and social prestige were strong predictors of success. In other words, young people who dreamed of succeeding at school or having a high-profile career were more likely to see their wishes fulfilled in adulthood.
“Adolescents who endorsed higher levels of prestige and education goals tended to have higher educational attainment, income, occupational creativity, occupational prestige and job complexity after 12 years,” Rodica Damian reports in the researchers’ news release.
In other words, young people should be encouraged to dream big when it comes to their future. Still, having unrealistic educational and career aspirations may not be advisable either.
Research published in 2022 in the European Economic Review argues that this could do more harm than good since over-ambitious professional goals can lead to disappointment. – AFP Relaxnews
