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Creating my tomorrow: The reciprocal relation between the future self and goal-setting
Fri, September 13, 5:00 to 6:15pm, Faculty of Law, University of Bucharest, Floor: 1st floor, Room 2.10Abstract
Individuals who engage in criminal behavior often fail to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. A focus on the long-term consequences may be increased by strengthening the connection with the future self, allowing potential (negative) consequences to be taken into consideration before making decisions. According to the literature, the connection with this self can be strengthened by setting concrete goals. At the same time, more concrete goals can be set when there is a stronger connection with the future self. Thus, there appears to be a reciprocal relation between the connection with the future self and goal-setting. Understanding this reciprocal relation can offer valuable insights for the development of effective rehabilitation programs. I investigate the relation between the connection with the future self and goal-setting by means of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), conducted among first-year university students (N = 321). All students set goals. In addition, students in the intervention condition interacted with a future version of themselves, i.e., their future self, either in virtual reality or in a smartphone application. Data collection has been completed, and the qualitative data on students’ goals is being coded. In my presentation, I will discuss the reciprocal relation between the connection with the future self and goal-setting, how the connection with the future self can be manipulated through a behavioral intervention, and the opportunities that these results offer for the forensic population.