What Are the Social Values of College Students?: A Social Goals Approach

Abstract

The present article investigates conceptualizations of social motivations and social goals. These conceptualizations are brought together toward an integrated taxonomy of social goals, and concurrently an integrated measurement instrument. Goal statements were administered to 571 college students, and dimensionality was assessed using factor analysis of the responses. Seven internally consistent dimensions were identified, interpreted, and labeled. The goal categories are social responsibility and concern, social attractiveness, power, intimacy and interpersonal play, belongingness, receiving assistance, and giving advice.