A Model of Life Purpose in College Contexts

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: College Student Learning and Development Roundtable

Abstract

This paper puts forth a Model of Life Purpose in College Contexts (MLP), which is based upon an extensive review of the theoretical and empirical literature on life purpose. Unlike existing frameworks that isolate purpose’s development (Chickering & Reisser, 1993; Damon, 2009; Kashdan & McKnight, 2009) from its outcomes (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009), the MLP synthesizes the empirical and theoretical literature on purpose’s development and outcomes into a unified model. In doing so, the MLP provides a more holistic understanding of the ways in which students develop, experience, and achieve outcomes related to purpose. Creating the MLP also uncovered lingering issues related to the measurement, development, dynamics, and outcomes of life purpose.

Author

• Jandi Kelly, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor