Goal conflict in retirement: Implications for satisfaction, goal pursuit, and health

We investigated goal conflict between romantic relationships and individual goals. In Study 1, 25 retired couples (N = 50) discussed a goal perceived as conflicting with the relationship. Dyadic results suggest both actor and partner general perceptions of goal conflict predicted lower relationship satisfaction. Goal conflict around the goal discussed predicted lower responsiveness from partners, higher negative affect, and diastolic blood pressure reactivity. In Study 2, goal conflict in retired, married individuals (N = 185) was negatively associated with closeness, self‐efficacy, and mental and physical health. Relationship satisfaction was a mechanism behind associations with goal conflict across studies. This research demonstrates negative implications of goal conflict for relationship and individual well‐being during retirement. Findings contribute to a growing literature suggesting that goals and support for growth are important as we age. Further, results suggest that goal conflict is detrimental to health, which is essential to protect in older adulthood.