Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Role of Purpose in Optimal Human Functioning

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Purpose in Life

Abstract

Early research on purpose focused on the negative effects associated with leading a life devoid of personal significance. Accordingly, the present chapter opens with a discussion of the theoretical and empirical research on the relationship between purposelessness and boredom, depression, apathy, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide ideation. More recently, research on the construct has focused on the ways in which leading a life of purpose has been found to be associated with a wide range of positive developmental outcomes, including psychological well-being, happiness, and hope. This chapter synthesizes the growing body of empirical research on the psychological and physical indicators of well-being that correlate with purpose and closely related constructs. It also includes a discussion of the complex relationship between purpose and stress and a discussion of the way purpose contributes to optimal human development. Lastly, purpose has been linked to academic and professional success, and this literature is reviewed.

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

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
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. (1979). Health, stress, and coping. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Antonovsky, A. (1983). The sense of coherence: Development of a research instrument. Newsletter and Research Reports, 1, 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

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

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Battista, J., & Almond, R. (1973). The development of meaning in life. Psychiatry, 36, 409–427.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benard, B. (1991). Fostering resiliency in kids: Protective factors in the family, school, and community. Portland: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.

    Google Scholar 

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

  • 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 and Clinical Psychology, 20, 396–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonebright, C. A., Clay, D. L., & Ankenmann, R. D. (2000). The relationship of workaholism with work-life conflict, life satisfaction, and purpose in life. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 47, 469–477.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonner, R., & Rich, A. (1987). Toward a predictive model of suicide ideation and behavior: Some preliminary data in college students. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, 17, 50–63.

    PubMed  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(5), 574–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boyle, P. A., Barnes, L. L., Buchman, A. S., & Bennett, D. A. (2010). Effect of a Purpose in life on risk of incident Alzheimer Disease and mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older persons. Archives of general psychiatry, 67(3), 304–310. doi: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2009.208.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C. (2008). Humility among adolescent purpose exemplars. Journal of Research on Character Education, 6(1), 35–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C., Hill, P. L., 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 

  • Bundick, M. J., Yeager, D. S., King, P. E., & Damon, W. (2010). Thriving across the lifespan. In R. M. Lerner, M. E. Lamb, A. M. Freund, & W. F. Overton (Eds.), Handbook of life- span development, Vol. 1: Cognition, Biology and Methods (pp. 882–923). Hoboken: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C. (2011). Portraits of purpose: The role of purpose in identity formation. New Directions for Youth Development, 132, 31–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C. (2012). A grounded theory of youth purpose. Journal of Adolescent Research, 27, 78–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cacioppo, J. T., Hawklwy, L. C., Rickett, E. M., & Masi, C. M. (2005). Sociality, spirituality, and meaning making: Chicago health, aging, and social relations study. Review of General Psychology, 9, 143–155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, S. (1993, May). Spirituality and purpose in life in alcoholism recovery. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 54(3), 297–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaudary, P. N., & Sharma, V. (1976). Existential frustration and mental illness: A comparative study of purpose in life in psychiatric patients and normals. Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 3, 171–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chickering, A. W., & Reisser, L. (1993). Education and identity (2 nd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    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 

  • Crandall, J. E., & Rasmussen, R. D. (1975). Purpose in life as related to specific values. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 31, 483–485.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crumbaugh, J. C. (1968). Cross-validation of Purpose in Life test based on Frankl’s concepts. Journal of Individual Psychology, 24, 74–81.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crumbaugh, J. C., & Maholick, L. T. (1964). An experimental study in existentialism: The psychometic approach to Frankl’s concept of noogenic neurosis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 20, 200–207.

    Article  PubMed  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 

  • Crumbaugh, J. C., & Maholick, L. T. (1969). Manual of Instructions for the Purpose in Life test. Munster. IN: Psychometric Affiliates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Damon, W. (Jan. (2004). What is positive youth development? The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 591, 13–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damon, W. (2008). The path to purpose: Helping our children find their calling in life. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Damon, W. (Nov. 18, 2011). Getting off the treadmill: Finding purpose, by Terry Lobdell. Palo Alto Daily News (37–48).

    Google Scholar 

  • Damon, W., Menon, J., Bronk, K. C. (2003). The development of purpose during adolescence. Applied Developmental Science, 7(3), 119–128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Debats, D. L. (1996). Meaning in life: Clinical relevance and predictive power. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 35(4), 503–516.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Debats, D. L., Drost, J., & Hansen, P. (1995). Experiences of meaning in life: a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. British Journal of Psychology, 86, 359–375.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Debats, D. L., van der Lubbe, P. M., Wezerman, F. R. A. (1993). On the psychometric properties of the Life Regard Index (LRI): A measure of meaningful life: An evaluation in three independent samples based on the Dutch version. Personality and Individual Differences, 14, 337–345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeWitz, S. J., Woolsey, M. L., & Walsh, B. W. (2009). College student retention: An exploration of the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and purpose in life among college students. Journal of College Student Development, 50(1), 19–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dik, B. J., Steger, M. F., Gibson, A., & Peisner, W. (2011). Make Your Work Matter: Development and pilot evaluations of a purpose-centered career education intervention. New Directions for Youth Development, 132, 59–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, W., Heppner, P., & Anderson, W. (1991). Problem-solving appraisal, stress, hopelessness, and suicide ideation in a college population. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 38, 51–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doerries, L. E. (1970). Purpose in life and social participation. Journal of Individual Psychology, 26, 50–53.

    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 

  • Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DuRant, R. H., Cadenhead, C., Pendergast, R. A., Slavens, G., & Linder, C. W. (1994). Factors associated with the use of violence among urban Black adolescents. American Journal of Public Health, 84(4), 612–617.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DuRant, R. H., Getts, A., Cadenhead, C., Emans, S. J., & Woods, E. R. (1995). Exposure to violence and victimization and depression, hopelessness, and purpose in life among adolescents living in and around public-housing. Journal of Development and Behavioral Pediatrics, 16(4), 233–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, M. J., & Holden, R. R. (2001). Coping, meaning in life, and suicidal manifestations: Examining gender differences. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57, 1517–1534.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and society. New York: W. W. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1964). Insight and responsibility. New York: W.W. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fahlman, S. A., Merce, 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

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

    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 

  • Ganellen, R. J., & Blaney, P. H. (1984). Hardiness and social support as moderators of the effects of life stress. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 47, 156–163.

    Article  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 

  • Gonsalvez, G. J., & Gon, M. (1983). A comparative study of purpose in life in psychopathological and normal groups. Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 10, 211–218.

    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 

  • Heisel, M. J., & Flett, G. L. (2004). Purpose in life, satisfaction with life, and suicide ideation in a clinical sample. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 26(2), 127–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill, P. L., Burrow, A. L., & Bronk, K. C. (under review). Grit during a college semester: The role of purpose.

    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 

  • Hong, L. (2008, June). College stress and psychological well-being: Self-transcendence meaning of life as a moderator. College Student Journal, 42(2), 531–541.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Article  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 psycho-physiological 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 

  • King, L. A., Hicks, J. A., & Krull, J., & Del Gaiso, A. K. (2006). Positive affect and the experience of meaning in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90, 179–196.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • King, L. A., & Napa, C. K. (1998). What makes a life good? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75, 156–165.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kinnier, R., Metha, A. T., Keim, J. S., Okey, J. L., Adler-Tabia, R., Berry, M. A., & Mulvenon, S. W. (1994). Depression, meaninglessness, and substance abuse in “normal” and hospitalized adolescents. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 39(2), 101–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kish, G. B., & Moody, D. R. (1989). Psychopathology and life purposes. International Forum for Logotherapy, 12(1), 40–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobasa, S. C. (1979). Stressful life events, personality, and health: An inquiry into hardiness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 37, 1–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kosine, N. R., Steger, M. F., & Duncan, S. (2008). Purpose-centered career development: A strengths-based approach to finding meaning and purpose in careers. Professional School Counseling, 12(2), 133–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krause, N. (2009). Meaning in life and mortality. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 64B(4), 517–527. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbp047

    Google Scholar 

  • Lazarus, R. S., & DeLongis, A. (1983). Psychological stress and coping in aging. American Psychologist, 38, 245.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leider, R. (1997). The power of purpose: Creating meaning in your life and work. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lerner, R. M., Lerner, J. V. L., Almerigi, J. B., Theokas, C., Phelps, E., Gestsdottir, S., Naudeau, S., Jelicic, H., Alberts, A., Ma, L., Smith, L. M., Bobek, D. L., Richman-Raphael, D., Simpson, I., Christiansen, E. D., & von Eye, A. (2005). Positive youth development, participation in community youth development programs, and community contributions of fifth-grade adolescents: Findings from the First wave of the 4-H study of positive youth development. Journal of Early Adolescence, 25(1), 17–71.

    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 

  • Maddi, S. R. (1967). The existential neurosis. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 72, 311–325.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

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

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Markstrom, C. A., Sabino, V. M., Turner, B. J., & Berman, R. C. (1997). The psychosocial inventory of ego strengths: Development and validation of a new Eriksonian measure. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 26(6), 705–732.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mascaro, N., & Rosen, D. H. (2005). Existential meaning’s role in the enhancement of hope and prevention of depressive symptoms. Journal of Personality, 73(4), 985–1013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Masten, A. S., & Reed, M. G. J. (2002). Resilience in development. In C. R. Snyder, & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 74–88). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • McAdams, D. P. (2001). Generativity in midlife. In M. Lackman (Ed.), Handbook of midlife development (pp. 395–443). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melnechuk, T. (1988). Emotions, brain, immunity, and health: A review. In M. Clynes, & J. Panksepp (Eds.), Emotions and psychopathology (pp. 181–247). New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohler-Kuo, M., Wydler, H., Zellweger, U., & Gutzwiller, F. (2006). Differences in health status and health behavior among Swiss adults between 1993–2003. Swiss Medical Weekly, 136(29–30), 464–72.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moomal, Z. (1999). The relationship between meaning life and mental well-being. South African Journal of Psychology, 29(1), 42–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morojele, N. K., & Brook, J. S. (2004). Sociodemographic, sociocultural, and individual predictors of reported feelings meaninglessness among South African adolescents. Psychological Reports, 95(3), 1271–1278.

    PubMed  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 

  • Noblejas de la Flor, M. A. (1997). Meaning levels and drug abuse therapy: An empirical study. International Forum for Logotherapy, 20(1), 46–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okasaka, Y., Nobuaki, M., Nakatani, Y., & Fujisawa, K. (2008). Correlation between addictive behaviors and mental health in university students. Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 62, 84–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

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

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paloutzian, R. F., & Ellison, C. W. (1982). Loneliness, spiritual well-being, and quality of life. In L. A. Peplau, & D. Perlman (Eds.), Loneliness: A Sourcebook of Current Theory, Research, and Therapy. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pan, J. Y., Wong, D. F. K., Joubert, L., Chan, C. L. W. (2008). The protective function of meaning of life on life satisfaction among Chinese students in Australia and Hong Kong: A cross-cultural comparative study. Journal of American College Health, 57(2), 221–231.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pearson, P. R., & Sheffield, B. F. (1974). Purpose-in-life and the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30(4), 562–564.

    Article  PubMed  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 

  • Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. New York: Oxford University Press.

    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 

  • Petrie, K., & Brook, K. (1992). Sense of coherence, self-esteem, depression, and hopelessness as correlates of reattempting suicide. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 31, 293–300.

    Article  PubMed  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 

  • Reker, G. T., & Peacock, E. J. (1981). The life attitude profile (LAP): A multidimensional instrument for assessing attitudes toward life. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 13, 64–73.

    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 

  • Reker, G. T., & Wong, P. T. P. (1988). Aging as an individual process: Toward a theory of personal meaning. In J. E. Birren, & V. L. Bengston (Eds.), Emergent theories of aging (pp. 214–246). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57, 1069–1081.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Keyes, C. L. M. (1995). The structure of psychological well-being revisited. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(4), 719–727.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (1998a). 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., & Singer, B. (1998b). The contours of positive human health. Psychological Inquiry, 9(1), 1–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (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., Singer, B., & Love, G. D. (2004). Positive health: Connecting well-being with biology. Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, 359, 1383–1394.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sappington, A. A., & Kelly, P. J. (1995). Self perceived anger problems in college students. International Forum for Logotherapy, 18, 74–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sayles, M. L. (1994). Adolescents’ purpose in life and engagement in risky behaviors: Differences by gender and ethnicity. (Doctoral dissertation, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1994). Dissertation Abstracts International, 55, 09A2727.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scannell, E. D., Allen, F. C. L., & Burton, J. (2002). Meaning in life and positive and negative well-being. North American Journal of Psychology, 4(1), 93–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schlesinger, S., Susman, M., & Koenigsberg, J. (1990). Self-esteem and purpose in life: A comparative study of women alcoholics. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 36, 127–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. (1992). Meaning in life and psychological well-being: An empirical study using the Chinese version of the purpose in life questionnaire. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 153, 185–190.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L., Ma, H. K., & Cheung, P. C. (1994). Meaning in life and adolescent antisocial and prosocial behavior in a Chinese context. Psychologia, 37, 211–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sherer, M., Maddux, J. E., Mercandante, B., Prentice-Dunn, S., Jacobs, B., & Rogers, R. W. (1982). The Self-Efficacy Scale: Construction and validation. Psychological Reports, 51, 663–671.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, H., & Betz, N. E. (2000). Development and evaluation of a measure of social self-efficacy in college students. Journal of Career Assessment, 8, 282–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Solberg, V. S., O’Brien, K., Villareal, P., Kennel, R., & Davis, B. J. (1993). Self-efficacy and Hispanic college students: Validation of the college self-efficacy instrument. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 15, 80–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steger, M. F. & Frazier, P. (2005). Meaning in life: One link in the chain from religiousness to well-being. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52(4), 574–582.

    Article  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 

  • Stevens, M. J., Pfost, K. S., & Wessels, A. B. (1987). The relationship of purpose in life to coping strategies and time since the death of a significant other. Journal of Counseling and Development, 65, 424–426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tryon, W., & Radzin, A. (1972). Purpose-in-life as a function of ego resiliency, dogmatism, and biographical variables. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 28, 544–545.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Umberson, D., & Gove, W. (1989). Parenthood and psychological well-being: Theory, measurement, and stage in the life course. Journal of Family Issues, 10, 440–462.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waisberg, J., & Porter, J. (1994). Purpose in life and outcomes of treatment for alcohol dependence. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 33, 49–63.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weiler, N. W., & Schoonover, S. C. (2001). Your soul at work: Five steps to a more fulfilling career and life. Mahwah: Hidden Spring.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitty, M. T. (2003). Coping and defending: Age differences in maturity of defense mechanisms and coping strategies. Aging and Mental Health, 7, 123–132.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yalom, I. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yarnell, T. D. (1971). Purpose in life test: Further correlates. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 27, 76–79.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zika, S., & Chamberlain, K. (1987). Relation of hassles and personality to subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 155–162.

    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). The Role of Purpose in Optimal Human Functioning. In: Purpose in Life. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7491-9_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation