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Qualitative Purpose Profiles of Chinese Student Teachers

Author

Listed:
  • Fei Jiang

    (Center for Ideological and Political Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China)

  • Timothy S. Reilly

    (Department of Psychology, Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, FL 34142, USA)

  • Jenni Menon Mariano

    (Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA)

Abstract

Teachers are well positioned to help students cultivate their purpose in life, which is an asset that is associated with optimal development. Teachers must also have a grasp on their own sense of purpose, especially during times of intense social pressure and change, when the capability to sustain and support worthy aims may impart personal resilience and contribute to the social good. To train educators who have this capability, it is therefore vital for teacher education programs to in turn understand their own students’ individualized purpose statuses. Using a qualitative person-centered approach, the current study identified purpose profiles of teacher education candidates in China as part of a larger multinational study. Three hundred and thirty-one participants wrote answers to questions about the content and fulfillment of their purpose in life, and statements were reliably coded for how specifically the respondents referenced their purpose, and for whether their purpose aimed to benefit others. A consensual qualitative research approach then identified four purpose profiles: beyond-the-self purpose, self-oriented life goal, daydreamer and purposeless. The meaning of these profiles and their significance for cultivating purpose among China’s teachers are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Fei Jiang & Timothy S. Reilly & Jenni Menon Mariano, 2022. "Qualitative Purpose Profiles of Chinese Student Teachers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12745-:d:934064
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carol Ryff & Burton Singer, 2008. "Know Thyself and Become What You Are: A Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 13-39, January.
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