Goal Appraisals and Vulnerability to Bipolar Disorder: A Personal Projects Analysis

Although studied extensively in depressed populations, the implications of goal appraisals for bipolar disorder are not well understood. Four hundred sixty-four college students completed questionnaires measuring personal goal appraisals (a modified version of B. R. Little's, 1989, Personal Projects Analysis), history of bipolar disorder symptoms, and current symptoms of hypomania and depression. Participants endorsing hypomania symptoms or current positive affect tended to construe goals in a positive manner, as likely to be attained, enjoyable, controllable, and not difficult or stressful. A history of clinically significant hypomania symptoms, however, correlated with negative, pessimistic goal appraisals. This relationship could be explained in a mediational model by higher current depression among those with previous hypomania/mania. Discussion highlights the potential of studying bipolar disorder from a goal theoretical perspective.