Ignited With Meaning Purpose Development in our Youth Part 2 with Kendall Cotton Bronk [Episode 009]
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Apr 6, 2019 
Kendall Cotton Bronk, an associate professor at Claremont Graduate University, passionately explores how youth develop purpose and moral values. She discusses the critical role of adolescence in identity formation and moral growth. A fascinating three-part definition of purpose is revealed, highlighting its psychological benefits, including resilience. Kendall shares insights from her research, like how a short interview can ignite purpose in young people. She also emphasizes the differing influences of economic background on purpose development, urging adults to foster meaningful conversations with youth.
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Three-Part Definition Of Purpose
- Purpose has three parts: a long-term aim, deep personal meaning, and a desire to contribute beyond oneself.
- This definition separates purpose from general meaning and frames it as a moral, other-focused orientation.
Purpose Predicts Psychological And Physical Gains
- Youth with purpose report better psychological well-being, resilience, and academic engagement than peers without purpose.
- Purpose also links to physical health benefits like better sleep and longer life in emerging research.
Purpose Grows With Development
- Purpose increases with age: about 10% in early adolescence, 20% in high school, 33% in college, ~40% in mid-adulthood.
- Development of purpose tracks identity formation but remains less common overall than identity attainment.