Pursuit of Purpose in the Pandemic: A Study of Purpose Formation among College Students during COVID-19

• In Event: Poster Session 05
  In Poster Session: PS 05 Topic - Moral Development

Abstract

College provides a unique context for the identification and pursuit of purpose, yet little empirical research examines the cultivation of purpose among emerging adults. Published and emerging reports suggest that both internal and external factors play an important role in the development of purpose, with high-quality mentoring relationships and grit serving as important predictors of commitment to purpose (Lund, Liang, White, Konowitz, & Mousseau, 2019; Lund, Liang, Mousseau, Matyjaszczyk, & Fleurizard, 2019). The future aspirations and goals of college students may be paused or altered due to COVID-19 with many students struggling to continue their education and reporting concerns about post-graduate plans. This may be especially true for minority students, first-generation students, and those who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This research examines the factors that support the identification and pursuit of purpose and future goals among college students during these “uncertain times” of COVID-19.

The following research questions will be examined: What factors (both internal and external) support the development and pursuit of purpose during COVID-19? Does purpose serve as a protective factor against COVID-19 stressors? It is hypothesized that high-quality relationships with mentors will be associated with purpose among college students. It is also hypothesized that greater levels of critical consciousness will be associated with greater levels of purpose. Moreover, it is hypothesized that among college students with higher levels of purpose, the impact of COVID-19 stressors on well-being will be mitigated.

Method:

The sample in the present study (N = 447) is from a larger mixed-methods study of purpose formation at three universities in the United States. Quantitative surveys administered via Qualtrics will be sent to participants in October 2020. Quantitative surveys will include the following measures:Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger, Frazier, Oishi, & Kaler, 2006), Claremont Purpose Scale (Bronk et al., 2018), Critical Consciousness Scale (Diemer, Rapa, Park, & Perry, 2017), Relational Health Indices (Liang et al,. 2002), Grit Short Form Scale (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009), Adult Hope Scale (Synder, Harris, Anderson, Holleran, Irving, Sigmon, et al., 1991), Mastery (Pearlin, Lieberman, Menaghan, & Mullan, 1981), COVID-19 Stressors and Experiences (Errett, 2020), Perceived Stress (Perceived Stress Scale; Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein,1983).

Analytic Plan:

Multivariate analyses will examine relationships between internal and external assets and purpose formation. Additionally, moderation analyses will examine purpose as a protective factors against pandemic-related stress. Analyses will be complete by January 2021.

Authors

• Terese Jean Lund, Wingate University
  Presenting Author

• Belle Liang, Boston College
  Non-Presenting Author

• Angela Desilva Mousseau, Rivier University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Betty Lai, Boston College
  Non-Presenting Author