Discussion: The burdens and promises of purpose inquiry

Abstract

We close this volume by inviting readers to reflect on some of the foundational principles threaded throughout the previous chapters. Conceptual and empirical challenges that remain ahead for purpose researchers are discussed, but with an effort to construe them as opportunities to gain further insight and truly advance of the field. We leverage relevant examples from the previous chapters to serve as useful starting points for future research opportunities. We then present four enduring questions about purpose that we anticipate will require collective and sustained investment into the scientific study of this salubrious sense in people's lives.