Work

Within‐person variability in daily purpose moderates the association between trait purpose and adolescent adjustment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose is a developmental asset in adolescence, yet little is known about how stability in this sense shapes its benefits. This study examined whether within‐person fluctuations in daily sense of purpose moderate links between trait purpose and youth adjustment. Adolescents ( N = 321, M [SD] age = 16.14[1.17]) completed baseline surveys of trait purpose and Big Five personality, followed by ~70 daily assessments of purpose, well‐being, self‐esteem, and self‐concept clarity. Purpose variability was indexed in two ways: using intraindividual standard deviations (iSD; variability) and mean square successive differences (iMSSD; instability). A greater trait purpose was, in general, more strongly associated with positive adjustment among adolescents, exhibiting less daily variability. Effects generally persisted after controlling for demographics and personality, suggesting that sensing purpose consistently, not just intensely, corresponds with adolescent adjustment.

Source: Journal of Research on Adolescence

DOI: 10.1111/jora.70153

Authors: Anthony L. Burrow, Kaylin Ratner

Institutions: Cornell University, New York State University College of Human Ecology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Silicon Valley Community Foundation