Youth purpose: A translational research agenda

Abstract

Psychological research on purpose conducted in the past 15-20 years has considerably advanced our understanding of the construct. However, there are at least two questions that have not been as adequately explored: How can we foster purpose in the lives of young people, and what does purpose look like among diverse groups of youth? This chapter reviews a series of studies that have sought to explore these questions. For instance, we include a discussion of two empirically-tested interventions that help young people search for and identify their purpose in life. Design logic and lessons gleaned from these studies are addressed. In addition, the chapter outlines studies of purpose with young people from low-socioeconomic areas in the United States, with street children living in Liberia, and with European college students living amidst a serious economic downturn. Findings and implications from this line of research are also discussed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of topics future researchers of youth purpose should explore.