Work

Trajectories and predictors of adolescent purpose development in self-driven learning

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose offers several important benefits to youth. Thus, it is necessary to understand how a sense of purpose develops in supportive contexts and what psychological resources can help. From 2021 to 2022, this study investigated purpose change among 321 youth (M age = 16.4 years; 71% female; 25.9% Black, 33.3% Asian, 15.6% Hispanic/Latinx, 13.4% White, 9.7% multiracial) participating in GripTape, a ~10-week self-driven learning program. Many youth started with high initial purpose that increased throughout enrollment (Strengthening), whereas others began with slightly lower purpose that remained stable (Maintaining). For each unit increase in baseline agency, youth were 1.6x more likely to be classified as Strengthening. As such, agency may be a resource that helps youth capitalize on certain types of environments.

Source: Child Development

DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14201

Authors: Kaylin Ratner, Hou Xie, Gaoxia Zhu, Melody Estevez, Anthony L Burrow

Institutions: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Cornell University

Language: English

Topic: Youth Development and Social Support

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070