Sense of Mission and Subsequent Health and Well-Being Among Young Adults: An Outcome-Wide Analysis
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose in life is potentially a modifiable "health asset" that enhances health and well-being. However, the association between purpose and health in younger populations remains understudied. In this study, we prospectively examined an aspect of purpose in life-specifically having a sense of mission-and a wide range of outcomes related to psychosocial well-being, mental health, health behaviors, and physical health in young adults. Longitudinal data from the Growing Up Today Study (2007-2010 or 2007-2013, depending on outcome; mean baseline age = 22.97 years) were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Sample sizes ranged from 6,323 to 7,463, depending on outcome. Bonferroni correction was used to correct for multiple testing. All models controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, religious service attendance, maternal attachment, and prior values of the outcome variables. Greater sense of mission was associated with greater psychological well-being (including life satisfaction, positive affect, self-esteem, emotional processing, and emotional expression), greater use of preventive health care, more volunteer activities, and possibly fewer depressive symptoms. However, there was little association with physical health or other behavioral outcomes. The formation of a sense of mission may provide a novel target for promoting multiple facets of psychological well-being, prosocial character, and possibly mental health among young adults.
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology
DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz009
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,856
Awards: Sexual Orientation and Obesity: Test of a Gendered Biopsychosocial Model, Theory and methods for mediation and interaction, SUBSTANCE USE AND DISORDERED WEIGHT BEHAVIORS IN SEXUAL MINORITY YOUTH CONTEXTS, Life Course Cancer Epidemiology Cohort in Women, Causes and Impact of Minority Stress on Health and Development in Youth, Adolescent Substance Use and the Transition to Adulthood in Sexual Minority Youth, Religion and human flourishing – new empirical approaches, Sexual Orientation and Health Disparities in Adolescence, Substance Disorders, Substance Use Treatment, and Sexual Orientation in Youth
OpenAlex ID: W2909577483