Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Purpose across the Lifespan

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Purpose in Life

Abstract

Purpose represents a long term aspiration that grows, recedes, and evolves over the course of the lifespan. While children lack the cognitive structures required to seriously contemplate and intentionally commit to purposes, they are able to engage in potentially purposeful activities. Some youth find these activities to be particularly meaningful, and over time their interests may take shape as purposes. This process typically coincides with the development of identity; as young people begin to explore who they hope to become, some also start to consider what they hope to accomplish. Accordingly, rates of purpose tend to peak immediately following adolescence and drop slightly in midlife and more dramatically in later adulthood. The drop in rates of purpose in later life is due in part to a decrease in the availability of potentially purposeful social roles. Many individuals find purpose in their work and as parents, and these roles tend to end as older adults retire and launch their adult children. Given that pursuing purpose is associated with a variety of physical and psychological benefits, this issue, often termed the structural lag problem, should be addressed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Antonovsky, A. (1987). Unraveling the mystery of health. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologists, 55, 469–480.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bargdill, R. W. (2000). The study of boredom. Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 31, 188–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baum, S. K., & Stewart, R. B. (1990). Sources of meaning through the lifespan. Psychological Reports, 67, 3–14.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benson, P. L. (2006). All kids are our kids: What communities must do to raise caring and responsible children and adolescents, 2nd Edition. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benson, P. L. (2008). Sparks: How parents can help ignite the hidden strengths of teenagers. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berzonsky, M. D., & Kuk, L. S. (2000). Identity status, identity processing style, and the transition to university. Journal of Adolescent Research, 15, 81–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bigler, M., Neimeyer, G. J., & Brown, E. (2001). The divided self revisited: Effects of self-concept clarity and self-concept differentiation on psychological adjustment. Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology, 20, 396–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyle, P. A., Barnes, L. L., Buchman, A. S., & Bennett, D. A. (2009). Purpose in life is associated with mortality among community-dwelling older persons. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71, 574–579.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C. (2011). Portraits of purpose: The role of purpose in identity formation. A special issue on instructing for and supporting youth purpose in. New Directions in Youth Development, 132, 31–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C. (2012). A grounded theory of youth purpose. Journal of Adolescent Research, 27, 78–109. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0743558411412958.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burrow, A., & Hill, P. L. (2011). Purpose as a form of identity capital for positive youth adjustment. Developmental Psychology, 47(4), 1196–1206.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C., Hill, P., Lapsley, D., K., Talib, T., & Finch, W. H. (2009). Purpose, hope, and life satisfaction in three age groups. Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(6), 500–510.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C., Finch, W. H., & Talib, T. (2010). Purpose among high ability adolescents. High Ability Studies, 21(2), 133–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C., Finch, H. W., Kollman, J. & Youngs, A., (under review, Oct. 2012). Ecological and social support for rural youth purpose. Submitted to Journal of Happiness Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burrow, A. L., O’Dell, A. C., & Hill, P. L. (2010). Profiles of a developmental asset: Youth purpose as a context for hope and well-being. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39, 1265–1273.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coleman, S., Kaplan, J., & Downing, R. (1986). Life cycle and loss: The spiritual vacuum of heroin addiction. Family Process, 25, 5–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E. (1996). Sociological perspectives on identity formation: The culture-identity link and identity capital. Journal of Adolescence, 19, 417–428.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E. (1997). An empirical test of the identity capital model. Journal of Adolescence, 20, 577–597.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E. (2000). Arrested adulthood: The changing nature of identity and maturity in the late-modern world. New York: New York University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E. (2002). The role of identity capital in the transition to adulthood: The individualization thesis examined. Journal of Youth Studies, 5(2), 117–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E., & Allahar, A. (1996). Generation on hold: Coming of age in the late twentieth century. New York: New York University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E., & Levine, C. (1982). Marcia and Erikson: The relationship among ego identity statuses, neuroticism, dogmatism, and purpose in life. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 12(1), 43–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. E., & Levine, C. (2002). Identity formation, agency, and culture: A social psychological synthesis. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crumbaugh, J. C., & Maholick, L. T. (1967). An experimental study in existentialism: The psychometric approach to Frankl’s concept of noogenic neurosis. In V. E. Frankl (Ed.), Psychotherapy and existentialism (pp. 183–197). New York: Washington Square Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Damon, W. (2008). The path to purpose: Helping our children find their calling in life. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deeks, A. A., & McCabe, M. P. (2004). Well-being and menopause: An investigation of purpose in life, self-acceptance, and social role in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and post menopausal women. Quality of Life Research, 13, 389–398.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DeVogler, K. L., & Ebersole, P. (1981). Adults’ meaning in life. Psychological Reports, 49, 87–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dowd, J. J. (1990). Ever since Durkheim: The socialization of human development. Human Development, 33, 138–159.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drob, S. L., & Bernard, H. S. (1988). The bored patient: A developmental existential perspective. Psychotherapy Patient, 3(3-4), 63–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: youth and crisis. New York: W. W. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1980). Identity and the life cycle (paperback). New York: W.W. Norton & Company Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fahlman, S. A., Mercer, K. B., Gaskovski, P., Eastwood, A. E., & Eastwood, J. D. (2009) Does a lack of life meaning cause boredom? Results from psychometric, longitudinal, and experimental analyses. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 28(3), 307–340

    Google Scholar 

  • Fegg, M., Kramer, M., Bausewin, C., & Borasio, F. D. (2007). Meaning in life lin the Federal Republic of Germany: Results of a representative survey with the SCHEDULE for Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMiLE). Health and Quarterly of Life Outcomes, 5, 59–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Francis, L. J. (2000). The relationship between bible reading and purpose in life among 13-15-year olds. Mental Health, Religion, and Culture, 3(1), 27–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Francis, L. J., & Evans, T. E. (1996). The relationship between personal prayer and purpose in life among churchgoing and non-churchgoing twelve-to-fifteen-year-olds in the UK. Religious Education, 91(1), 9–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (1959). Man’s search for meaning: An introduction to logotherapy. Boston: Beacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • French, S., & Joseph, S. (1999). Religiosity and its association with happiness, purpose in life, and self-actualization. Mental Health, Religion, & Culture, 2, 117–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fry, P. S. (1998). The development of personal meaning and wisdom in adolescence: A reexamination of moderating and consolidating factors an influences. In P. T. P. Wong (Ed.), The human quest for meaning: A handbook of psychological research and clinical application (2nd edition). (pp. 91–110). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillham, J., Adams-Deutsch, Z., Werner, J., Reivich, K., Coulter-Heindl, V., Linkins, M., Winder, B., Peterson, C., Park, N., Abenavoli, R., Contero, A., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Character strengths predict subjective well-being during adolescence. Journal of Positive Psychology, 6(1), 31–44. doi: 10.1080/17439760.2010.536773.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenfield, E. A., & Marks, N. F. (2004). Formal volunteering as a protective factor for older adults’ psychological well-being. The Journal of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 59B(5), 258–264.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harlow, L. L., Newcomb, M. D., & Bentler, P. M. (1986). Depression, self-derogation, substance use, and suicide ideation: Lack of purpose in life as a meditational factor. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 42(1), 5–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hedberg, P., Gudtafson, Y., & Brulin, C. (2010). Purpose in life among men and women aged 85 years and older. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 70(3), 213–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill, P. L., & Burrow, A. (2012). Viewing purpose through an Eriksonian lens. Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research, 12(2), 74–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill, P. L., Burrow, A., O’Dell, A. C., & Thornton, M. A. (2010). Classifying adolescents’ conceptions of purpose in life. Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(6), 466–473.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ho, M. Y., Cheung, F. M., & Cheung, S. F. (2010). The role of meaning in life and optimism in promoting well-being. Personality and individual differences, 48(5), 658–663.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, M. (2006). Affect, meaning, and quality of life. Social Forces, 85(2), 611–629.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Inhelder, B., & Piaget, J. (1958). The growth of logical thinking from childhood to adolescence. New York: Basic Books.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ishida, R., & Okada, M. (2006). Effects of a firm purpose in life on anxiety and sympathetic nervous activity caused by emotional stress: Assessment by psychological method. Stress and health: Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress, 22(4), 275–281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kass, J. D., Friedman, R., Leserman, J., Caudill, M., Zuttermeister, P. C., & Benson, H. (1991). An inventory of positive psychological attitudes with potential relevance to health outcomes: Validation and preliminary testing. Behavioral Medicine, 17(3), 121–129.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, S. J., & Kang, K. A. (2003). Meaning of life for adolescents with a physical disability in Korea. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 43(2), 145–155.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lawford, H., Pratt, M. W., Hunsberger, B., & Pancer, S. M. (2005). Adolescent Generativity: A Longitudinal Study of Two Possible Contexts for Learning Concern for Future Generations. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 15(3), 261–273.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laufer, W. S., Laufer, E. A., & Laufer, L. S. (1981). Purpose in life and occupational interest in a gerontological sheltered workshop. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 37(4), 424–426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, C. A., Lanigan, C., Joseph, S., & de Fockert, J. (1997). Religiosity and happiness: No evidence for an association among undergraduates. Personality and Individual Differences, 22, 119–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and validation of ego-identity status. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 3, 551–558.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mariano, J. M., & Vaillant, G. E. (2012). Purpose among the “Greatest Generation.” Journal of Positive Psychology. DOI:10.1080/17439760.2012.686624.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marks, N. F., Lambert, J. D., & Choi, H. (2002). Transitions to caregiving, gender, and psychological well-being: A perspective U.S. national study. Journal of Marriage and Family, 64, 657–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Markstrom, C. A., Berman, R. C., Sabino, V. M., & Turner, B. (1998). The ego virtue of fidelity as a psocohosocial rite of passage in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Child & Youth Care Forum, 27(5), 337–354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martinez, R. O., & Dukes, R. L. (1997). The effects of ethnic identity, ethnicity, and gender on adolescent well-being. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 26(5), 503–516.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maton, K. K. (1990). Meaningful involvement in instrumental activity and well-being: Studies of older adolescents and at risk urban teen-agers. American Journal of Community Psychology, 18(2), 297–320.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McLean, K. C., & Pratt, M. W. (2006). Life’s little (and big) lessons: Identity statuses and meaning-making in the turning point narratives of emerging adults. Developmental Psychology, 42(4), 714–722.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meier, A., & Edwards, H. (1974). Purpose-in-life Test: Age and sex differences. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30, 384–386.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Minehan, J., Newcomb, M., & Galaif, E. (2000). Predictors of adolescent drug use: Cognitive abilities, coping strategies, and purpose in life. Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse, 10, 33–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moran, S. (2009). Purpose: Giftedness in intrapersonal intelligence. High Ability Studies, 20(2), 143–159. DOI:10.1080/13598130903358501.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newcomb, M. D., & Harlow, L. L. (1986). Life events and substance use among adolescents: Mediating effects of perceived loss of control and meaninglessness in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(3), 564–577.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Padelford, B. L. (1974). The relationship between drug involvement and purpose in life. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30(3), 303–305.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paloutzian, R. F. (1981). Purpose in life and value changes following conversion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 41(6), 1153–1160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, C., Parks, N. S., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2005). Orientations to happiness and life satisfaction: The full life versus the empty life. Journal of Happiness Studies, 6, 25–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petrie, K., & Azariah, R. (1990). Health-promoting variables as predictors of response to a brief pain management program. Clinical Journal of Pain, 6(1), 43–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pinquart, M. (2002). Creating and maintaining purpose in life in old age: A meta-analysis. Ageing international, 27(2), 90–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pizzolato, J. E., Brown, E. L., & Kanny, M. A. (2011). Purpose plus: Supporting youth purpose, control, and academic achievement. New Directions for Youth Development, 132, 75–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prager, E. (1996). Exploring personal meaning in an age-differentiated Australian sample: Another look at the Sources of Meaning Profile (SOMP). Journal of Aging Studies, 10(2), 117–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reker, G. T., Peacock, E. J., & Wong, P. T. P. (1987). Meaning and purpose in life and well-being: A life-span perspective. Journal of Gerontology, 42(1), 44–49.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Riley, M. W., Kahn, R. L., & Foner, A. (1994). Age and structural lag: Society’s failure to provide meaningful opportunities in work, family, and leisure. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D. (1989). Scales of psychological well-being. University of Wisconsin Institute on Aging. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57, 1069–1081.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D. (1995). Psychological well-being in adult life. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 4, 99–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Keyes, C. L. (1995). The structure of psychological well-being revisited. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(4), 719–27.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. H. (2008). Know thyself and become what you are: A eudaimonic approach to psychological well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9, 13–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., Lee, Y. H., Essex, M. J., & Schmutte, P. S. (1994). My children and me: Midlife evaluations of grown children and self. Psychology and Aging, 9(2), 195–205.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. H. (1998). The role of purpose in life and personal growth in positive human health. In P. T. P. Wong (Ed.), The human quest for meaning: A handbook of psychological research and applications (2 nd ed.) (pp. 213–235). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., Keyes, C. L. M., & Hughes, D. L. (2003). Status inequalities, perceived discrimination, and eudaimonic well-being: The challenges of minority life hone purpose and growth? Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 44, 275–291.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., Singer, B., & Love, G. D. (2004). Positive health: Connecting well-being with biology. Philosophical Transactions Royal Society London B, Biological Sciences, 359, 1383-1394. DOI:10.1098/rstb.2004.1521

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S. J. (2007). The structure of identity consolidation: Multiple correlated constructs or one superordinate construct? Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research, 7, 27–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S. J., Côté, J. E., & Arnett, J. J. (2005). Identity and agency in emerging adulthood: Two developmental routes in the individuation process. Youth and Society, 37, 201–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S. J., & Montgomery, M. J. (2002). Similarities or differences in identity development? The impact of acculturation and gender on identity process and outcomes. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 31, 359–372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steger, M. F., Frazier, P., Oishi, S., & Kaler, M. (2006). The Meaning in Life Questionnaire: Assessing the presence of and search for meaning in life. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53, 80–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steger, M. F., & Kashdan, T. B. (2007). Stability and specificity of meaning in life and life satisfaction over one year. Journal of Happiness Studies, 8, 161–179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steger, M. F., Kawabata, Y., Shimai, S., & Otake, K. (2008). The meaningful life in Japan and the United States: Levels and correlates of meaning in life. Journal of Research in Personality, 42, 660–678.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stillman, T. F., Baumeister, R. F., Lambert, N., Crescioni, A. W., DeWall, C. N., & Fincham, F. D. (2009). Alone and without purpose: Life loses meaning following social exclusion. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 45, 686–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Umberson, D., & Gove, W. R. (1989). “Parenthood and Psychological Well-Being: Theory, measurement, and stage in the family life course. Journal of Family Issues, 10(4), 440–462.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • VanDyke, C. J., & Elias, M. J. (2007). How forgiveness, purpose, and religiosity are related to the mental health and well-being of youth. Mental Health, Religion, & Culture, 10(4), 395–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vleioras, G., & Bosma, H. A. (2005). Are identity styles important for psychological well-being? Journal of Adolescence, 28, 397–409.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, P. T. P. (1998). Implicit theories of meaningful life and the development of the personal meaning profile. In P. T. P. Wong, & P. S. Fry (Eds.), The human quest for meaning: A handbook of psychological research and clinical applications (pp. 111–140). Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, P. T. P., & Fry, P. S. (1998). The human quest for meaning: A handbook of psychological research and clinical applications. Mahwan: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yeager, D. M., & Bundick, M. (2009). The role of purposeful work goals in promoting meaning in life and in schoolwork during adolescence. Journal of Adolescent Research, 24(4), 423–452.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zika, S., & Chamberlain, K. (1992). On the relation between meaning in life and psychological well-being. British Journal of Psychology, 83, 133–145.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ball State University, Muncie, USA

    Kendall Cotton Bronk

Authors
  1. Kendall Cotton Bronk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kendall Cotton Bronk .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Bronk, K.C. (2014). Purpose across the Lifespan. In: Purpose in Life. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7491-9_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation