Purpose in life: A resolution on the definition, conceptual model, and optimal measurement.

Abstract

Theoretically, purpose serves as a basic dimension of healthy psychological functioning and an important protective factor from psychopathology. Theory alone, however, is insufficient to answer critical questions about human behavior and functioning; we require empirical evidence that explores the parameters of purpose with respect to measurement, prediction, and modification. Here, we provide empirically supported insights about how purpose can operate as a beneficial outcome (e.g., marker of well-being), a predictor or mechanism that accounts for benefits that a person derives (such as from an intervention), or a moderator that offers insight into when benefits arise. Advancing the study of purpose requires careful consideration of how purpose is conceptualized, manipulated, and measured across the lifespan. Our aim is to help scientists understand, specify, and conduct high-quality studies of purpose in life.

Transforming Service into Civic Purpose: A Qualitative Study of Adolescent Civic Engagement and Purpose Development

“…Scholars define beyond-the-self (BTS) purpose as a "central, self-organizing life aim" [15] (p. 304) that is both meaningful to the self and significantly contributes to the world beyond the self [16]. Purpose has also been described as acting on one's selfcoherent identity to create meaning in the world [17].…”

“…Notably, Kashdan and McKnight put forth a theory that posits purpose as developing through three central pathways: proactive (i.e., curious and motivated individuals seek opportunities and refinement over time), reactive (i.e., individuals seek clarity following a transformative life event), and social learning (i.e., individuals observe and imitate the behavior of important others) [15]. And Dweck suggests that purpose comes when the satisfaction of one's basic needs (predictability, competence, and acceptance) leads to self-coherence, which in turn, fosters purpose [17].…”

“…Considering the importance of environment in purpose development, one essential context of its development occurs via experiential learning, or opportunities for handson engagement in activities that often align with participants' passions, facilitate social connection, cultivate skills, and positively benefit others [25]. These activities are uniquely situated to bolster purpose development as they can offer an opportunity for engagement with the proactive and social learning pathways to purpose by meeting the basic needs of participants and connecting them to 4 P's resources [15,26]. In summation, purpose likely emerges when individuals are developmentally primed to seek it and are met with adequate contextual support to foster it.…”

Conceptualizing brand purpose and considering its implications for consumer eudaimonic well‐being

“…Individuals can find purpose in life via proactive, reactive, or social learning mechanisms (Kashdan & McKnight, 2009). The proactive path is characteristic of individuals who actively explore the world, engaged in deliberative self‐exploration or interaction with their environments.…”

“…The process of discovering one's purpose, as described above, is varied and complex. Brand purpose may help consumers find their purpose via proactive, reactive, or social learning mechanisms (Kashdan & McKnight, 2009). By drawing attention to a pressing societal issue, a brand's purpose may encourage consumers to contemplate the extent to which they care about the purpose promoted by the brand (proactive).…”