Collegiate purpose orientations and well-being in early and middle adulthood

Two studies evaluated whether different purpose orientations, defined by the content of one's life-goals, would differentially predict personal well-being in the short- and long-term. Four types of purpose orientations (creative, prosocial, financial, and personal recognition) were examined usi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied developmental psychology 2010-03, Vol.31 (2), p.173-179
Main Authors: Hill, Patrick L., Burrow, Anthony L., Brandenberger, Jay W., Lapsley, Daniel K., Quaranto, Jessica Collado
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult development
Adult. Elderly
Adulthood
Adults
Age Differences
Biological and medical sciences
College Seniors
Correlation
Creativity
Developmental Psychology
Elderly people
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Generativity
Goal Orientation
Goal-setting
Income
Individual Development
Integrity
Intention
Longitudinal analyses
Personal development
Predictor Variables
Prosocial Behavior
Prosocial behaviour
Prosocial development
Psychological well-being
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Purpose in life
Recognition (Achievement)
Undergraduate Students
Well Being
Young Adults
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Summary:Two studies evaluated whether different purpose orientations, defined by the content of one's life-goals, would differentially predict personal well-being in the short- and long-term. Four types of purpose orientations (creative, prosocial, financial, and personal recognition) were examined using a sample of 416 (57% male) college undergraduates tested as seniors and again thirteen years after graduation. At senior year, all four purpose orientations were correlated with perceived personal development during college, measured using Higher Education Research Institute surveys. However, at middle adulthood, only the prosocial purpose orientation was predictive of greater generativity, personal growth, and integrity. These studies point to the benefits of having goals focused on helping others rather than helping oneself.
ISSN:0193-3973
1873-7900
DOI:10.1016/j.appdev.2009.12.001