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Addressing Important Questions in the Field of Adolescent Purpose
Author(s) -
Hill Patrick L.,
Burrow Anthony L.,
Sumner Rachel
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
child development perspectives
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1750-8606
pISSN - 1750-8592
DOI - 10.1111/cdep.12048
Subject(s) - psychology , construct (python library) , positive youth development , field (mathematics) , developmental psychology , adolescent development , social psychology , computer science , mathematics , pure mathematics , programming language
In this review, we discuss three questions about the importance of studying purpose as a construct relevant to adolescence. We consider how finding a purpose can help youth answer questions such as “Who am I?” and “Where am I going?” and summarize the benefits of finding a purpose during adolescence. Purposeful youth are more agentic and driven in their lives, as well as happier and less susceptible to risks common in adolescence. We conclude by identifying areas that merit study, including the need to understand which contexts best scaffold the development of purpose among youth and the need for experimental research to strengthen causal claims.