Purpose in Life

di Kendall Cotton Bronk (Autore)

Springer, 2016

This volume integrates and makes sense of the growing body of theoretical and empirical research conducted on purpose across the lifespan. It opens with a comprehensive yet detailed discussion of the definitions of purpose most commonly used in studies on the topic. In addition to defining the construct, the author also discusses its philosophical roots and distinguishes it from related concepts, including meaning, goals, and ultimate concerns. This volume discusses the disparate perspectives on the construct and addresses the tendency to position purpose in the broader frame of positive psychology. It synthesizes distinct strands of research on purpose across the lifespan, it explores studies on the daily and longer-term experience of a purposeful existence, and it delves deeply into the wide range of measurement tools that have been used to assess the purpose construct. Further, it examines the prevalence and forms of purpose among diverse groups of youth and discusses the developmental trajectory of the construct. Other topics discussed include the central role of purpose in supporting optimal well-being and positive youth development. The book closes with empirically-supported steps adults, educators, and mentors can take to effectively and intentionally foster purpose among young people and makes recommendations for future research on the topic. Other chapters will delve deeply into measurement of the purpose construct and into research on the prevalence and forms of purpose among diverse groups of youth, including individuals from urban, suburban, and rural regions and individuals from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Another chapter will focus on the developmental trajectory of purpose, as research finds the construct plays an especially important role in the transition to adulthood. Next the book will feature a chapter dedicated to a rigorous review of research on the central role purpose plays in supporting the healthy growth of young people. Following will be a section that identifies positive correlates of purpose and attempts to glean from existing research the mechanism through which purpose helps promote optimal development. In addition to addressing different types of purposes, including civic, religious, service-oriented, family, and professional purposes, this book will include a chapter that outlines the steps adults can take to foster purpose among young people. This chapter will cover research on a wide range of social and ecological supports for purpose. Finally, the book will conclude with a chapter that highlights weaknesses and identifies important gaps in the research on purpose. The book offers a state of the science on youth purpose, it clearly and succinctly synthesizes the sizable and rapidly growing body of research on youth purpose in a comprehensive yet easily accessible manner. This monograph will serve as an important research tool for quality of life scholars interested in conducting research on a wide range of positive psychology topics.

• Autore: Kendall Cotton Bronk
• Anno edizione: 2016
• Editore: Springer
• Formato: EPUB2 con Adobe DRM
• Compatibilità: Tutti i dispositivi (eccetto Kindle)
• Layout: Reflowable
• EAN: 9789400774919

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