Adults’ use of role models: Relations with general self-efficacy and satisfaction with life

Abstract

A lot is known about role model influence and how it affects children’s attitudes in important life decisions. Yet the same field is virtually unexplored regarding adults. This study conducted multiple regression analyses on a sample of adults (N = 219) to examine if role model influence within two areas in life, studies/work and love/family, would significantly predict general self-efficacy and satisfaction with life. The study also examined adults’ need for authority in a role model as well as whether a samesex or non-same-sex figure would be the most influential role model type. Results confirmed that role model influence within studies/work was significantly associated with general self-efficacy and satisfaction with life. It also showed that role model influence within love/family was significantly associated with satisfaction with life. Furthermore, adults preferred same-sex role models as well as role models on an equal authoritarian level. The conclusions were that adults, similar to children, used role models and that this influence was significantly connected to positive psychological mechanisms as hypothesized.