On Purpose: The Relationship Between Purpose, Hope, and Identity Development and College Student Extracurricular Participation

• In Event: Advances in Out-of-School Time Research: Examining Relationships, Program Practices, and Professional Development

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between purpose (long term, stable, altruistic goals), hope, and identity development and first-year college students’ choice of extracurricular campus activities. The data collected revealed several significant relationships between participants’ purpose and identity exploration scores and choices between different types of extracurricular activities. Additionally, the results raised questions about the role of purpose and its relationship to activity choice as a result of unanticipated differences between students who planned to participate in different types of activities.

Author

• Zach B. Mural, Michigan State University