Purpose and meaning in life: a comparative analysis of the concepts of Damon and Frankl

Abstract

Objective Meaning in life and purpose are two concepts that have gained attention from researchers around the world due to their significant role in human existence. This study presents a comparative analysis of the constructs of meaning in life and purpose proposed respectively by Viktor Frankl and William Damon, two of the main authors in this field. Method A literature review was conducted to explore these constructs. Results For each construct, the origin, the definition and its components, the theoretical foundations, the sources and benefits and the instruments for measurement were described. Finally, convergences and divergences between the constructs are discussed, and a basis for further research in psychology is provided. Key convergences between Frankl and Damon include their shared salutogenic perspective, emphasizing that meaning in life and purpose are vital for health and human development. Both authors highlight how these phenomena provide individuals with a sense of direction and motivation, encouraging them to dedicate themselves to something or someone beyond themselves. Among their divergences, Damon conceptualizes purpose as a psychological force central to developmental psychology, offering a more operational definition focused on long-term goals. In contrast, Frankl’s understanding of meaning in life is more complex, tied to finding meaning at any moment in life and rooted in a bio-psycho-noetic view of human being, influenced by the phenomenological-existentialist philosophical tradition. Conclusion The interdisciplinary perspective adopted in this study provides a broader and more complex understanding of these constructs, offering a foundation for future research across diverse fields of knowledge.