The beyond-the-self dimension of adolescent purpose: Absence and change

Abstract

Grounded in theory and empirical evidence of purpose in life as both a developmental asset and a desired outcome, this study was designed to uncover the role that the beyond-the-self dimension of purpose may play in purpose development across the adolescent and emergent adult years. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews at two points in time with 146 adolescents and emerging adults were coded for forms of purpose. Descriptive and chi-square analyses highlighted the ways participants at each of four developmental stages moved in or out of the various dimensions of purpose over the course of the study. Confirming earlier research, developing a beyond-the-self intention was found to be an atypical adolescent experience. Extending existing research, the beyond-the-self dimension of purpose was found to develop differently from the other dimensions of purpose across adolescence. Results are discussed in light of research about the roles of individual and contextual factors on development.

Keywords:

• Adolescents
• purpose
• prosocial behavior
• beyond-the-self
• contribution

Acknowledgments

Data collection and part of the analyses for this work were conducted as part of the Youth Purpose Project at the Stanford Center on Adolescence under the direction of William Damon, Principal Investigator.